A 15-year-old boy is being treated in hospital for a suspected fractured skull, following a fight which broke among a crowd on the Upper Springfield Road in west Belfast last night.
A 15-year-old girl was also treated in hospital for cuts to her chest during the incident. And a 16-year-old boy was knocked to the ground and suffered cuts and bruises.
Police are appealing for information after the teenagers were seriously assaulted during the criminal incident and anti-social behaviour.
Inspector Graham said police received a report after 9pm that a group of young people had congregated at the Invest NI site off the Springfield Road in Belfast.
Inspector Graham said some had become involved in fighting, throwing bottles and other items at each other.
“Police attended and found a 15-year-old female had sustained a cut to her chest which required hospital treatment, and a 15-year-old male had been subjected to a vicious assault by a number of young males.
“He is currently being treated in hospital for a suspected fractured skull. Another 16-year-old male had been knocked to the ground and suffered several cuts and bruises.
“We are investigating these assaults and I would appeal to anyone with information, or who may be able to help with our investigation, is asked to call us on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference number 2351 of 1 June 2020, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/
Police are asking parents to be aware of what their children are doing.
“The community really needs parents and guardians to speak to their young people about where they are and who they are with and also warn them of the dangers of getting involved in behaviour which could result in seriously injuring themselves, others, or ultimately, a criminal record.
“Young people who choose to engage in criminal and anti-social behaviour must understand it is unacceptable and must stop. People have a right to live in peace and to feel safe in their communities.
“It is also critically important that young people understand the importance of the advice from our public health partners and the Government about social distancing, follow the NI Executive regulations and do everything we can to stop the spread of Covid-19.
“Police are continuing to work alongside our partner agencies, local representatives and the community to address the issue. I would encourage anyone affected by criminal and anti-social behaviour to report the matter to police immediately on 101,” added the Inspector.