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Man arrested after stabbing at under-16 GAA match

Tyrone GAA said that the incident is being investigated by the PSNI (Pic: Google Maps)
Tyrone GAA said that the incident is being investigated by the PSNI (Pic: Google Maps)

A man in his 40s has been arrested following a stabbing incident at an under-16 GAA match in Co Tyrone.

PSNI officers attended the scene at the sports ground on Convent Road in Cookstown.

Two people were stabbed during the incident.

One man was taken to hospital and a second man received treatment at the scene.

A man in his 40s was arrested and taken into custody for questioning.

The PSNI has appealed to any witnesses or anyone with footage of what happened to contact them.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed it received a 999 call at 9.03pm yesterday evening.

An emergency crew was sent to the scene and NIAS said that following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, a patient was taken to Antrim Area Hospital.

Cookstown Fr Rocks Under-16s boys team were playing Fintona Pearses in a championship semi-final at Paddy Cullen Park in Cookstown.

Cookstown GFC said it is now supporting children and young people "who witnessed this disturbing and very serious incident".

It said that a committee will work to ensure the children have the support and assistance they require in the coming days.

Cookstown GFC said that its thoughts are with the individuals impacted by the incident.

Tyrone GAA is to investigate the circumstances of the incident

In a statement today, Tyrone GAA said that as the organising body, it was treating the incident "most seriously" and would conduct its own investigation into the circumstances.

"We will be offering our support to those affected. We can make no further comment at this time."

In a statement, Fintona Pearse said that the club is aware of a serious incident that occurred at an underage football match which the PSNI are investigating.

"Our thoughts are with those impacted and all focus is on the welfare of the children and young people present."

Footage posted on social media appears to show police officers responding to the incident at the GAA grounds.

Sinn Féin's Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill described the incident as shocking.

In a post on Twitter, she said: "This was a shocking incident at Padráig O'Cuilinn Pairc yesterday evening. My thoughts are with those injured and impacted.

"Anyone with any information should assist with police inquiries. I commend the work that’s now under way to assist and support the young people who were at the game."