Officer injured during south Belfast disorder
A Police Service of Northern Ireland officer has been seriously injured during disorder involving young people in south Belfast on Monday evening (May 5).
Neighbourhood inspector for south Belfast, Róisín Brown said: “At approximately 8.15pm, officers deployed to the Roden Street area in response to reports of young people engaged in disorder and anti-social behaviour.
“During the incident, a large piece of metal was thrown at a marked police vehicle, narrowly missing the windscreen. The police vehicle was being driven at the time.
“When police attempted to apprehend a suspect, one neighbourhood officer sustained a broken foot. He is receiving support but will be unable to carry out duties for a considerable amount of time whilst he recovers.
“At a time when the police service is already stretched, this means that there is one less neighbourhood officer available to the community in south Belfast.
“A 16-year-old male was detained at the scene and police will be pursuing a criminal justice outcome in relation to this incident.
Inspector Brown added: “Assaults on our officers are completely unacceptable, and have lasting impacts physically and psychologically. Protecting the community we serve is important to us and injuries like this are not just part of the job.
“I am once again asking parents and guardians to also speak to their young people. Know where they are, and help us by preventing them from engaging in behaviour which could result in injury or a criminal record.
“Assaults on police pose a serious threat to the vital service police provide, and we will continue work with the Police Federation for Northern Ireland to support our officers.”