Stab attack shocks town

The victim was taken to hospital but his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening, police said.

As the PSNI probed a motive one resident in the area told the Times he was concerned at the level of violence used.

“My wife is very distressed that this has happened so close to our home and it would make me consider moving somewhere else,” the man said.

Police in Ballymoney are investigating after an 18-year-old man was stabbed once in the abdomen after he answered a knock to his door. The incident occurred at an apartment building on Union Street at around 3.20am on Monday.

Police said the attacker is described as in his 30s, 5’ 9” tall of a medium build with short hair spiked on top. He was wearing a white hoody with a blue horizontal stripe across the middle.

Anyone who noticed this male in the area or anyone with any information relating to this attack is asked to contact police in Ballymoney on 08456008000.

Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800555111.

North Antrim DUP MLA Mervyn Storey has described as “very worrying” the use of a knife in the assault at Union Street.

Mervyn Storey said: “Given the fact that already this week Northern Ireland has witnessed one killing in Londonderry and given the ongoing concerns at the level of knife crime in the province, this is a very worrying development.

“Society should not live in fear of this kind of attack. I would ask that anyone with any information regarding this assault would take it to the PSNI without delay.”