Police have condemned youths who were involved in an attack on officers while they were dealing with a road traffic collision in which a child was badly hurt.
The PSNI said the collision, which occurred in the Culdaff Gardens area, involved a child who had sustained a head injury and was taken to hospital.
A spokesperson for the PSNI said that as officers were leaving the area, a group of between '20 to 30 individuals', believed to be mostly young people, gathered, many with their faces covered.
Read more: PSNI investigating 'reckless' petrol bomb attack on two properties
Criminal damage was caused to a police car by some of those present who threw masonry. No injuries were reported.
Sergeant Bennett said: "Our officers were working to keep people safe yesterday when they were attacked in such a senseless way. It is extremely disappointing, and those involved need to stop and think about what they're doing.
"The outcome for those identified as being involved in such criminal activity can have life changing and long term consequences.
"Parents/guardians need to be aware of where their children are and what they're up to. No one in the community wants this type of activity.
"Anyone with information about who was involved is asked to get in touch with us on 101 and quote reference number 958 of 24/04/22.
"A report can also be made online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/."
Sinn Fein councillor, Emma McGinley, said: “This attack came on the back of a child being injured in a collision and my first thoughts are with the child and its family.
“There is no place for this type of activity.
"Emergency services should be able to come into our area and do their job, unhindered and without fear of attack.”
Read more: Mum pushing buggy punched by unknown man in Co Down park
Read more: Firefighter assaulted by 'large group of youths throwing stones'
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
