A Road Safety Partnership van has been damaged and an off-duty police officer allegedly attacked, police say.
Police in East Belfast arrested a man following an incident “in which damage was caused” to the vehicle on the Belmont Road in East Belfast on Monday, May 4, the PSNI said in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon.
They added: “At around 6.40pm on Monday evening, a male cyclist approached the van and commenced attacking the vehicle and operator.
"An off-duty police officer who was passing at the time intervened and was then set upon by the man who was held at the scene until the arrival of a police patrol.
“Neither the officer or the van operator reported any injuries, however, damage was caused to the van which will now be out of service until repairs can be carried out. A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including assault on police, wilfully obstructing a lawful activity, criminal damage, disorderly behaviour and cycling when unfit through drink or drugs and has since been released on bail pending further police enquiries.”
A senior police officer said there have been a number of incidents involving the vans.
Inspector Rosie Leech from PSNI Roads Policing Unit said: “This is the latest in a number of recent attacks against Road Safety Partnership vans. These vans are deployed to ensure the safety of all road users by deterring motorists from driving at excessive speed which is a major factor in a large percentage of road traffic collisions.
“It is both frustrating and very disappointing that we are seeing incidents like this happening at a time when communities should be playing their part in assisting our health service colleagues by helping to keep each other safe.
“I am receiving reports of incidents occurring far too regularly where verbal abuse is directed towards camera operators or attempts being made to impede them in their work and this must stop. Anyone involved in this type of activity can expect to be dealt with by police and all subsequent consequences thereafter.”
