Man charged with assault

A man has been charged at Belfast Magistrates Court in connection with a stabbing incident in which a 23 year-old man nearly bled to death.

William Pinkerton, 23, from Mersey Street, east Belfast, appeared in court on Friday in connection with an attack in the city's university area.

Mr Pinkerton was charged with assaulting a companion of the stab victim, who is now said to be in a stable condition in hospital.

The accused was also charged with withholding information about the incident which took place in the early hours of Thursday morning.

He was remanded on bail until 22 February.

Police said they were looking for three other men in connection with the attack.