Officer suffers broken foot following attack on moving police vehicle

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A PSNI officer has had his foot broken during disorder involving young people in Belfast.

A senior officer said the incident happened during an attempt to apprehend a suspect after a large piece of metal was thrown at a moving police vehicle.

The incident occurred in the Roden Street area in the south of the city on Monday.

Officer injured during south Belfast disorder https://t.co/tHTA4WasBL pic.twitter.com/l81SAVzjx6

— Police South Belfast (@PSNIBelfastS) May 6, 2025

Inspector Roisin Brown said: “At approximately 8.15pm, officers deployed to the Roden Street area in response to reports of young people engaged in disorder and anti-social behaviour.

“During the incident, a large piece of metal was thrown at a marked police vehicle, narrowly missing the windscreen.

“The police vehicle was being driven at the time.

“When police attempted to apprehend a suspect, one neighbourhood officer sustained a broken foot.

“He is receiving support but will be unable to carry out duties for a considerable amount of time whilst he recovers.”

Ms Brown said the incident occurred at a time when the PSNI is stretched, and would result in one less neighbourhood officer being available in south Belfast.

She added: “A 16-year-old male was detained at the scene and police will be pursuing a criminal justice outcome in relation to this incident.

“Assaults on our officers are completely unacceptable, and have lasting impacts physically and psychologically.

“Protecting the community we serve is important to us and injuries like this are not just part of the job.

“I am once again asking parents and guardians to also speak to their young people. Know where they are, and help us by preventing them from engaging in behaviour which could result in injury or a criminal record.

“We ask anyone who sees any anti-social behaviour in the area, to contact 101 or 999 in an emergency.

“Assaults on police pose a serious threat to the vital service police provide, and we will continue work with the Police Federation for Northern Ireland to support our officers.”