Teenager hospitalized with serious injuries after Belfast park assault

A TEENAGER has been hospitalized with serious injuries after being attacked by a group of young men in a Belfast park.

New altercations broke out following the incident, which occurred on Saturday shortly before 9:20 p.m. in Falls Park, west of the city.

Police said the 15-year-old man who was attacked lost consciousness during the incident.

“Police responded within a minute to the ongoing incident and the young man was taken to hospital with injuries described as serious,” said Inspector Róisín Brown.

“While officers were administering first aid, further altercations between a large group of youths broke out, with the result that additional police resources were deployed to the park and the youths were eventually dispersed from the area.

“Police are very aware of the ongoing problems in Falls Park and are committed to finding solutions for the entire community.

“We want young people to come together and enjoy the park responsibly, but this type of violence is unacceptable.

“Local residents also have the right to feel safe where they live.

“Those who engage in anti-social behavior and other forms of crime only harm their own communities, and unfortunately sometimes themselves.

“I am again appealing to parents and guardians to know where your young people are.”

She added: “We would also ask parents and guardians to talk to their young people and find out where they are to prevent them from engaging in behavior that could lead to injury or a criminal record.”