A number of stabbings were reported.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland have arrested two men in Belfast following a number of reported stabbings at New Lodge in Belfast, at the scene of a major bonfire. On Thursday, the PSNI left the scene of the bonfire after attempting to remove it. The police decided to give up on their task after three officers were injured by the gathered crowd. The PSNI cited public security concerns for leaving the scene. Later on Thursday night, an 18-year-old male was stabbed in the back in the vicinity of the bonfire and was taken to hospital where his condition has been described as critical. Another male, who is 39 years old, also sustained a stab wounds to his arm and hip. He also received treatment in hospital, though his injuries are not thought to be life threatening. In relation to the stabbings, a 21-year-old man 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-man has also 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 will both appear in court today (10 August). The bonfire has been organised to mark the anniversary of the introduction of internment in Northern Ireland during the early 70s, which saw many nationalists incarcerated without trial.