Firefighter injured by object hurled by youths in Co Antrim

By Q Radio News

A firefighter has sustained a shoulder injury after being struck by an object thrown by a large group of youths in Newtownabbey last night.

The man and other members of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were attending a call in the Valley Park area shortly before 10pm when the group attacked them.

Police said stones and other items were thrown at the firefighters.

A firefighter has sustained a shoulder injury after being struck by an object thrown by a large group of youths in Newtownabbey last night.https://t.co/pv6JXDZgMS

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 22, 2022

Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Emma Spence said:

“We would strongly condemn this type of anti-social behaviour and nobody comes to work expecting to be assaulted.

“This firefighter had been carrying out his duty and serving our local community in order to protect property, prevent danger to the public and reduce any further risk of injury.

“If you have information in relation to who was responsible for this incident, please have the courage to come forward and provide information.

"Our enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have footage of this incident to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 2017 of 21/04/22.

"Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.  

"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/."