Westlink incident sees PSNI officer sustain 'significant head injury' after youths throw bricks

A PSNI officer has been left unable to work after suffering a 'significant head injury' when he was hit with a brick in West Belfast. He was among the neighbourhood police dispatched following reports of anti-social behaviour in the Westlink area around 8.30pm on Thursday.

Groups of youths were reported to be fighting with each other.

On attending, the PSNI say bricks were thrown in the direction of their officers with one being struck. He was taken to hospital for treatment and is now recovering from his head injury.

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Chief Inspector Claire Hamilton said: "My thoughts are with our colleague who has our full support as he recovers from this injury. Our officers were attending to bring order to this situation and protect these young people from harm as they were running through traffic.

“Attacks and assaults on us will not be tolerated and should be condemned by all. We deal with difficult situations every day and are here to help. Assaults on police officers will not be tolerated and will never accepted as being ‘part of the job’.

“In regards to this report in the Westlink, I am appealing to parents to know where your children are and do all you can to stop them becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.

"Officers continue to work alongside partner agencies, local representatives and the community to find collaborative and proactive solutions to address the problem.

"We are committed to working towards a solution and welcome any information from the public and local elected representatives to inform what we are doing. Our officers will continue to provide a visible policing presence throughout west Belfast.

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Police said they remained in the area throughout the evening and no further incidents were reported.

Chief Inspector Claire Hamilton added: “Anyone with information from last night, if you witnessed what was happening in the Distillery Court area at around 8.30pm or if you have dash-cam footage, call us on 101.”

"You can also report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk."

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has slammed those involved in attacking a police officer last night close to the Westlink. The West Belfast MP said: “I want to condemn the disgraceful attack on a police officer last night close to the Westlink. My thoughts are with him and I hope for a speedy recovery.

“The young people involved in this behaviour must stop, and their parents must intervene before someone is seriously hurt or ends up in the criminal justice system. These activities by a small number of young people are not representative of our community and are in stark contrast to the hugely positive work happening every day across west Belfast.

“Youth and community workers have played a stellar role across the last few months in this area, engaging with young people and providing them with positive opportunities.

“West Belfast is a community continually moving forward and we will not be dragged backwards by the actions of a minority.”

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