DETECTIVES have charged two men with a number of offences following a number of reported stabbing incidents in the New Lodge area of north Belfast on Thursday night, August 8.

A 18-year-old man is critically ill in hospital after he was stabbed near the bonfire in the New Lodge.

He sustained life threatening injuries to his back.

Another male, who is 39 years old, also sustained a stab wounds to his arm and hip.

He was also received treatment in hospital however his injuries are not thought to be life threatening at present.

Police say a 21 year old male has been charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.

A 28 year old male has been charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

They are both expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court this morning, Saturday, August 10, for a first remand hearing.