Police Officers Attacked By Youths In Lisburn

Two PSNI officers were attacked while dealing with a reported assault in Lisburn over the weekend.

The incident happened as police were in the tow path area of the city's civic centre and were confronted by a group of young people.

According to a spokesperson, one person in particular was overly abusive and obstructive and upon his arrest, he assaulted the male and female officer causing them both to seek medical attention.

A local officer explained: "One male youth, I say youth, he's nearly an adult, continued this behaviour becoming increasingly abusive, seemingly under the belief that you can say whatever you want to the Police, no matter how unpolitically correct, because hey, it's the Police, you can address them how you want. After numerous warnings to this soon to be adult he was arrested after which he began assaulting both the male & female officer while being restrained resulting in them having to seek medical attention later in the night, but that was only after they had to call for emergency assistance as again numerous youths believed that they could, again, get involved."

Police have issued a warning to parents to watch out for antisocial behaviour among their children, and also called on drug dealers in the area to cease supplying to young people.

It comes after youths from Lisburn, Carryduff, Dundonald, Banbridge and Newry have been frequenting the area in recent months, with many brought home by police or arrested. Alcohol has been taken from groups with some members only 13 years old, bottles have been smashed on the tow path and in playparks and drug paraphernalia found in the area.

The spokesperson continued: "We know you cant watch them 24/7, I also know you don't want to be picking your child up from a custody suite either. We all have responsibilities. Officers went in to protect an assaulted person & stop anyone else being harmed. Parents need to be aware of their child's whereabouts & what they are doing. You know what has happened in the area, please try & keep your child away from it.

"Whoever is dealing to children needs to have a good long look at themselves, but I suppose if you're dealing drugs morals aren't really that important to you."



(JG/CM)