Carnmoney assault: Police detain 33-year-old man

Officers have detained 33-year-old Stephen McFarlane in the area of the Newtownards Road in east Belfast. He was located just before 2pm today (Friday).

Detective Inspector Chris Millar said: “I would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance in this matter. We received a number of calls from members of the public throughout our search and we are grateful for that cooperation. Our investigation into this serious assault will now continue.”

Police had launched an appeal to find Mr McFarlane after a woman was seriously assaulted in the Ashgrove Road area of Carnmoney on Wednesday, January 13.

The 26-year-old female remains in hospital.

DUP councillor Phillip Brett said: “I welcome the arrest and commend the PSNI in locating him.”

North Belfast DUP MLA Paula Bradley said: “There is a great sense of relief in the local community at the arrest of a suspect in relation to Wednesday night’s attack.”