Six injured in violent incidents

Police officers were attacked by a crowd in Londonderry

Four police officers and a man have been injured in separate mob attacks in Londonderry and Lisburn County Antrim.

The RUC officers were injured when they were attacked by a crowd in Londonderry early on Sunday morning

Trouble broke out when the officers went to a house at Clonmeen Drive to talk to the occupants about a previous incident.

One male officer was rendered unconscious after being grabbed around the throat and the others, two of them women, where hurt when they went to his aid.

They were attacked by a crowd which had gathered outside the house.

Two people were arrested after the incident.

'Vicious assault'

RUC Chief inspector Bob Moore, deputy sub divisional commander for the Waterside area, said it was a "vicious assault on a brave and dedicated police officer providing a vital policing service to his community".

He added: "It is sad that at this time of the year when a majority of people are expressing peace and goodwill that there are others intent in causing the maximum amount of pain and suffering.

"It should not be overlooked that three other police officers, including two female officers sustained injuries in this barbarous assault.

"I am proud to be associated with colleagues of this calibre who on a daily basis unselfishly place themselves in the forefront of danger to deliver the highest quality of policing service to the entire community.''

Paramilitary style attack

Across the city a 16-year-old youth has had his arm broken and suffered bruising to his face and body in a paramilitary style assault.

Shortly after midnight four masked men armed with an iron bar smashed their way through the front door of his house in the Rossville Street area.

They then made their way to the youth's bedroom and beat him.

A number of windows were broken in the house.

Man injured by gang

Meanwhile, a man is being treated in hospital after being assaulted by a crowd of more than 20 youths in Lisburn, County Antrim on Saturday night.

The incident, which is not thought to have been sectarian, happened close to the Bow Street Mall shopping centre at about 2215 GMT.

At one stage the fight spread onto the road and several motorists had to swerve to avoid the trouble.

The victim suffered a broken jaw and other facial injuries.

Two men have been arrested.