Police have charged a man with attempted murder over a double stabbing in Cookstown

POLICE have charged a man with attempted murder.

The charge is in connection with two stabbings in Cookstown, Co Tyrone on Saturday morning.

In the first incident around 2.30 am a 20-year-old man was stabbed in the head in William Street.

Around an hour later, a man in his 20s was stabbed several times in the body Millburn Street.

Detectives believe the two stabbing incidents were connected.

A total of eight men were arrested by police in follow up inquiries on suspicion of attempted murder, aggravated burglary and grievous bodily harm with intent.

The other seven have been released on bail pending further inquiries by detectives at Cookstown CID.

As well as the murder bid charged, a man has also been charged with grievous bodily harm.