The Christmas market was evacuated last night after someone was stabbed

The man in his 40s is in a serious condition


Belfast Continental markets were shut down last night around 8pm after someone was stabbed on Donegal Square North.

The injured man, believed to be in his 40s, was “treated at the scene and was taken to the Royal Victoria hospital where he is in a serious condition” according to the Northern Ireland ambulance service.

Michael Crawley, an MA student in Software Development at Queens was working at the Yahi coffee & food stall just outside the gates of City Hall, when he was told everyone, including the workers, had to be evacuated by the police just shortly after 8pm.

According to a local eyewitness, the man was “very grey” and “appeared to be in a bad way”.

Belfast’s deputy Lord Mayor Guy Spence tweeted condemning the attack: “Hearing there’s been a stabbing at our Christmas Market in Belfast. Liaising with PSNI in City Hall, no justification for this heinous act.”

The Christmas Market has become a popular addition to Belfast Christmas Festive over the past few years, becoming a draw of tourism for the city. This is the first case of a serious criminal incident related to the market.