By David Young, Michael McHugh PA and Q Radio News
Police have warned women in Belfast to be vigilant after three were stabbed in separate incidents.
They were attacked by a silent and hooded or masked assailant on a bicycle, using a small but sharp knife, in the city centre on Monday evening.
The victims were aged between 19 and 22. Wounds were inflicted in the neck, arm and back of the leg areas but were not life-threatening.
Another two young women were punched on the head.
PSNI Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said: “Just be vigilant, know where you are.
“If you are going out, try to be with a friend or in groups.”
Such attacks are extremely rare in Northern Ireland and officers have stepped up patrols.
Mr Walls added: “Police are taking this investigation incredibly seriously.
“We accept the fear that this type of attack causes. We wish to say that incidents like this in Belfast and across Northern Ireland are indeed rare.”
Police are investigating an attack on a fifth woman, Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said.
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 13, 2020
All victims were aged between 18 and 22 and two of the women were punched. Police do not believe robbery was a motive. pic.twitter.com/QiYrHTHvy9
Officers do not believe robbery was a motive.
Some of the victims were accompanied by friends.
The suspect was riding a mountain bike and may have been wearing a mask, police said.
The three stabbed women were taken to hospital for treatment but have since been discharged.
Mr Walls said: “This will have been a hugely traumatic incident and experience for them.”
Chief Superintendent Simon Walls says the five women attacked in Belfast last night sustained a range of injuries. He says three of the victims who were hospitalised have now been discharged. pic.twitter.com/rZ0EHMyyxi
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 13, 2020
Chief Superintendent Simon Walls says the man who attacked five women in Belfast city centre last night did not speak to any of his victims. He urges the public to remain vigilant and reassures those who're worried that Police are taking the attacks very seriously. pic.twitter.com/bTOJuz0yRi
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 13, 2020
The first stabbing happened in Ormeau Avenue at around 8.10pm.
The second was reported at around 9pm in Donegall Square West, followed by a third in University Road at around 10pm.
A fourth incident happened in Lisburn Road in the same general time-frame.
Extra PSNI patrols at Queen's University on University Road after three women were stabbed and two more were assaulted - Pic Alan Lewis
South Belfast MP Claire Hanna said the attacks were appalling.
“Nobody should feel unsafe on the streets of Belfast and the local community are shocked and upset at this attack,” she said.
“I urge anyone with any information to come forward to the PSNI.”
Meanwhile, Justice Minister, Naomi Long said her "thoughts are with those women violently attacked in our city."
She tweeted saying it was an "absolutely shocking and traumatising experience."
My thoughts are with those women violently attacked in our city today. Absolutely shocking and traumatising experience.
— Naomi Long MLA (@naomi_long) October 13, 2020
If you have any information which could bring the perpetrator to justice, please contact the police on 101. https://t.co/8tfWK33K9N
PSNI step up patrols on Ormeau Avenue after three women were stabbed and two more were assaulted in Belfast - Pic Alan Lewis
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