GOTCHA: Detectives arrest Stephen McFarlane over assault on 26-year-old woman lin Carnmoney

POLICE have now detained wanted Stephen McFarlane as part of a major manhunt across the Greater Belfast area.

He was arrested in the area of the Newtownards Road in Belfast around 2 pm this afternoon.

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 co-operation.

“Our investigation into this serious assault will now continue.”

Earlier today, detectives issued an appeal for information in relation to the whereabouts of a high performance car belonging to wanted assault suspect Stephen McFarlane.

The 33-year-old is being sought by detectives who want to speak to him over a serious assault on a woman in the Carnmoney area of Newtownabbey on Wednesday night, January 13.

Today, police have issued a photograph of a white Audi A6 Black car, registration, T44 SMF.

The PSNI say detectives believe he had removed the registration plates from the car in a bid to conceal his movements.

A woman remains critically ill in hospital after the assault at a house on the Ashgrove Road in Carnmoney.

It is understood the woman, who is 26, lives there with her two young children.

Police have not released any further details of what happened.

In a statement they said they were “investigating a serious assault at an address in the Ashgrove Road” on Wednesday night.

“A 26-year-old woman has been taken to hospital for treatment for her injuries,” they added.

“Her condition is described as critical.”

A white Audi A6 Black car similar to Stephen McFarlane’s being sought by detectives