Belfast's Christmas Market at City Hall has been cordoned after a man was found with 'stab wounds' near the popular venue.

The man, thought to be in his 40s, has been taken to hospital and police are currently at the scene on Donegall Square North.

A spokesperson from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it received a call at 7:45pm.

An NIAS statement said: "We sent a rapid response paramedic along with our A&E crew. The patient was treated at the scene and was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital."

The man is understood to be in a critical condition.

It is thought that the attack happened just after a musical display involving a group of drummers at City Hall's gates.

On Thursday morning police said no crime had been committed.

Detective Inspector Rowland said: "Whilst we are at the early stages of the investigation, police do not believe at this time that any other person has been involved in this incident".

The grounds of City Hall are transformed into a traditional festive German-style market each year and the venue attracts around 800,000 visitors to the city.

The market's annual run is due to finish on Thursday at 6pm.

Belfast Telegraph