A policeman is in a serious condition in hospital today after an 80-strong mob viciously attacked officers on routine patrol in west Belfast.
The officer, who was knocked unconscious, is being treated for serious facial injuries, while four colleagues, including a female officer, received cuts and bruises during the attack.
The patrol was carrying out vehicle checks on the Falls Road at around 3.15 a.m. when they were ambushed.
They had just stopped a motorist when the crowd, some of whom emerged from a nearby pub approached and began kicking and beating them.
A police spokeswoman said the officers were forced to draw their weapons to fend off the crowd although no shots were fired.
Acting Superintendent Russell Martin described the attack as 'mindless thuggery'.
He added: 'It is time for the community of west Belfast to stop and think about the kind of society they really want, a lawful, peaceful one or one run by vicious thugs.'
The attack was branded an 'absolute disgrace' by SDLP Assembly member for West Belfast, Dr Joe Hendron.
He said: 'The people of West Belfast and Northern Ireland want law and order in their areas. They want the roads and streets to be safe for their children.
'There can only be one police service and it is therefore so necessary for all of us, from whatever tradition, to give our full support and co-operation to the new police service,' he added.
PA