Police warn of ‘vigilante vigilantes’ after damage to property in west Belfast

Police have warned that people are “taking the law into their own hands” after an assault and a report of criminal damage in west Belfast.

According to the PSNI, a man was taken to hospital with a serious injury after he was attacked by several men on Suffolk Road just after 8pm on Sunday.

Police said they had previously spoken to the man after a separate report that he had made comments to a teenage girl that made her uncomfortable.

Police said they were aware of speculation linking the incident to recently reported advances on women and attempted sexual assaults in the area, but stressed there was no evidence linking the incident to previous reports, and that there were no arrests.

Shortly before 6pm on Monday, police received a report of property damage to a property in the Ardcaoin area of ​​west Belfast.

They said the windows and doors were damaged and that no one was on the property at the time.

Chief Inspector Hamilton said that at this stage of the investigation it was believed that the two incidents were linked.

“We would like to reiterate that we are aware of online speculation linking last night’s attack with recently reported advances on women and attempted sexual assaults in the West Belfast area. However, there is currently no evidence linking these reports and no arrests have been made.

“We would like to make it clear that Northern Ireland Police will not tolerate vigilantism of any kind and we would strongly caution any individual or group not to take the law into their own hands.”

“The police service is responsible for law enforcement in Northern Ireland, not the community.

“We continue to engage with elected and community leaders to discuss these issues and our officers will ensure a visible police presence across west Belfast.

“If you have any concerns, report them to police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”