Man arrested after stabbing in Belfast college

Young people have described their terror as a stabbing incident unfolded inside a Belfast college today.

Two men in their 20s were injured during the violent confrontation at Belfast Metropolitan College. One has been detained by investigating police.

A spokeswoman for the Belfast Health Trust said both men were in a stable condition in hospital.

It is understood the incident in the Millfield campus in the city centre took place in a part of the complex that caters for special needs students.

Belfast Met student Patrick McCaffery (17) witnessed the aftermath.

“There was a lot of panic, especially around building two where it happened,” he said.

“Even though they evacuated half the building where it happened, on the top floor there were still a lot of people, you could see people freaking out, not knowing what was going on, it was just a case of trying to piece the pieces together.”

He added: “We saw one student coming out and his face was covered in blood, it was very distressing.”

Maria McCann, who was also in the college at the time, said one of the injured men ran past her covered in blood.

“It was terrible,” said the 23-year-old.

“There were a number of students really upset and crying. Everyone was just in absolute shock, no one ever expected that to happen. People are still shocked.

“It’s just coming to terms with it now.”

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) statement said: "Police remain at the scene of a stabbing incident at college premises in the Millfield area of Belfast."

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said the men were taken to the Royal Victoria and Mater hospitals in Belfast.

A spokeswoman for Belfast Met said: “There has been a security incident at the Millfield campus. Emergency services are involved.”

A PSNI spokesman said: “A 21-year-old male has been arrested following a stabbing incident at college premises at the Millfield area,

Belfast, this afternoon. “A 26-year-old male, who was involved in the incident, has been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment to his injuries. His condition is described as serious but stable.”

PA