A POLICE OFFICER sustained a significant head injury after being struck by a piece of masonry during a disturbance in Belfast.
The incident occurred as officers dealt with anti-social behaviour off the Westlink dual carriageway in west Belfast at around 8.30pm on Thursday.
Chief Inspector Claire Hamilton condemned the attack on the officer and urged parents to prevent their children from becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin MP for West Belfast, Alex Maskey, branded the attack 'disgraceful'.
The incident saw groups of young people involved in altercations with each other, with some seen running onto the dual carriageway.
Police officers attended, however, during the course of their enquiries, bricks were thrown at them.
The injured officer was struck in the head by a piece of masonry, which left him requiring hospital treatment.
Police remained in the area throughout the evening, however, no further incidents were reported.
'Know where your children are'
"My thoughts are with our colleague who has our full support as he recovers from this injury," said Chief Inspector Hamilton.
"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."
'We will not be dragged backwards'
Speaking on Friday, Mr Maskey also called on parents to try to curb such behaviour before others are hurt.
"I want to condemn the disgraceful attack on a police officer last night close to the Westlink," he said .
"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."
Chief Inspector Hamilton said police are continuing to work alongside partner agencies, local representatives and the community to find solutions to address anti-social behaviour.
Anyone with information on Thursday's disturbance or who witnessed what was happening in the Distillery Court area is asked to contact police on 101.
