A young man is in a critical condition after he was stabbed in the back near a large bonfire in north Belfast.

Police attempted to have the bonfire dismantled last night but were forced to leave the scene after bricks and bottles were thrown.

Three officers were injured during the clashes and the PSNI said the decision to withdraw was taken in the interest of public safety.

A small police presence was maintained in the area.

Crowds watch as a bonfire is lit in the New Lodge area of Belfast to mark the anniversary of the introduction of internment, 09-08-2019. Image: PA/PA Wire/PA Images

This morning police said they are investigating a number of stabbing incidents in the area.

An 18-year-old man who was stabbed in the back near the bonfire is in a critical condition in hospital.

Meanwhile, a 39-year-old man who was stabbed in his arm and hip is also in hospital. Police said his injuries are not thought to be life threatening at the moment.

Two people, aged 21 and 28-years-old were arrested early this morning on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Police at the scene of a bonfire in north Belfast, 08-08-2019. Image: Michael McHugh/PA Wire/PA Images

PSNI Chief Inspector Kelly Moore said “We are aware of footage circulating on social media and this will be examined as part of the wider investigation.

“I would encourage anyone who was in the area and who can assist the investigation to please make contact with us.”

The bonfire was erected to mark the anniversary of the introduction of internment in the North in 1971.

It was built on Government land and attempts were to dismantle it on the basis that it posed a danger to local residents.

Handout screengrab from a video taken with permission from the Twitter feed of @bimopodcast of police clashing with people near a bonfire in Belfast, 08-08-2019. Image: Bimopodcast/PA Wire/PA Images

The bonfire was lit just after midnight last night and was burnt out within a few hours.

The Tánaiste Simon Coveney said law enforcement in the North has, “our full support in the face of this thuggery.”