A police officer was hospitalised in the early hours of this morning following several hours of disorder in a Co Down town.
Officers say during the incident in The Flying Horse Estate in Downpatrick on Friday night, September 9, up to 30 youths were involved in throwing petrol bombs, bottles and masonry at police.
One officer required hospital treatment for a head injury after they were struck on the head by a bottle during the disorder which police say lasted into the early hours of this morning, September 10. A police car windscreen was also smashed during the incident.
Read more: Emergency services attend crash close to Westlink
Inspector Steven Weatherald said: “We are aware of the ongoing problem of anti-social behaviour in the estate and are committed to working with other agencies, elected representatives and the community to tackle this problem. This is not something that can be addressed by police alone.
"Much more can be achieved if everyone in the community works together. Those who are involved in this type of activity may only be a small minority, but they are upsetting their own community by continuing to engage in such behaviour."
Inspector Weatherald is appealing to parents in the area to be aware of where their children are, and what they are up to: “The behaviour of your child may be making the life of your neighbour, or another member of your community, almost unbearable. We all bear a responsibility to work together and make this community a safer place in which to live, and those who hold positions of responsibility and influence are asked to help.
“Officers will continue to provide a visible policing presence in the estate and I would encourage you to report any and all incidents of anti-social behaviour in your community. The more we know, the more we can do to support people and take positive action. You can contact officers in Downpatrick on the non-emergency number 101.”
READ NEXT:
'He was full of fun': Mum's tribute after death of five-year-old son
The Queen's funeral date officially declared as a Bank Holiday
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
