A 53-year-old man has been charged after an attempt to seriously assault a police officer at a hospital in Antrim on Friday night. The officer narrowly avoided serious injury.

The incident took place at Antrim Area Hospital on the night of 19 June. It is understood the man attempted to stab the officer with a long, sharp item.

Police confirmed the officer escaped without sustaining life-changing injuries. The accused has been charged with attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, assault on police, and possession of an offensive weapon with intent.

He is due to appear before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 22 June.

As is standard procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service before the case progresses through the courts.