Man stabbed in chest at motorbike event in Carrickfergus

A man has been taken to hospital after being stabbed in the chest at a motorcycle event in Carrickfergus in County Antrim.

The suspect fled off on the back of a bike after it happened last night at Rodgers Quay.

PSNI Detective Inspector Lenaghan said, “Shortly after 7.30pm, officers attended the Rodgers Quay area of the town following a report that a man had been stabbed in the chest and also received injuries to his head.”

“The male suspect was said to have fled the scene on the back of a motorbike following the altercation.”

“He is described as being approximately six feet in height, of medium build, and aged in his 40s.”

“The victim was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries following the incident. At this time, they are not believed to be life threatening.”

“There were a large number of people in the area at the time of the incident, and we would urge anyone who can assist us with our enquiries, or who has any information which could help, to get in touch.”

“Police are aware that this incident occurred at an event which takes place on a regular basis, and generally passes off peacefully with no issues.”

Meanwhile local Alliance party MLA Stewart Dickson said, “For the past number of weeks hundreds of bikers have been making the trip to Carrickfergus for friendship and camaraderie as the bike meet continued to grow in popularity. I know a lot of hard work by the organisers went into making this event a welcoming space.”

"Sadly, what occurred on Wednesday night was not in keeping with the overall ethos of what the storming of the castle bike meet was intended to be.”

He continued, "I’d appeal to anyone with information to please contact the PSNI urgently so that the perpetrator can be apprehended.”