The PSNI has said it will not tolerate vigilante activity after an attack on a house in west Belfast today was linked to an serious assault on a man in the area the day before.
Police received a report of criminal damage to a property in the Ardcaoin area just before 6pm.
Damage was caused to doors and windows were smashed. No-one was present in the property at the time.
It is believed that the man has left the area.
Chief Inspector Hamilton said: “Although enquiries are ongoing, at this stage of the investigation we are linking this attack to a report of the assault of a man on Suffolk Road on Sunday, 29th September, during which he sustained serious injury.
“Anyone with information on those responsible should contact police on 101 .
“We would reiterate that we are aware of online speculation connecting last night’s assault to recent reported approaches to women and attempted sexual assaults in the west Belfast area; however there is no evidence linking these reports at present, and no arrests have been made.
The PSNI said the man was taken to hospital after an assault by a number of men in west Belfast (Photo: Kevin Scott/Belfast Telegraph)
“We want to make it clear that the PSNI will not tolerate any type of vigilante activity and we would caution any individual or group in the strongest terms against taking the law into their own hands.
“The Police Service is responsible for law enforcement in Northern Ireland, not the community.
“We are continuing to liaise with elected and community representatives to discuss these issues and our officers will be providing a visible policing presence throughout west Belfast. If you have concerns – report them to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
The man was taken to hospital by police after he was assaulted on Sunday shortly after 8pm.
He had earlier been spoken to by police after a separate report that he had made remarks to a teenage girl that made her uncomfortable. However, he was not arrested.
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey called for anyone with information in relation to incidents in west Belfast over recent days to contact police.
The West Belfast MP said: “Police have been dealing with a number of incidents across west Belfast in recent days.
“If anyone has information on these incidents, they should bring this to the PSNI.
“The police now have a job of work to do to bring whoever was responsible for incidents last week before the courts.”
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News Catch Up – Monday 30th September