Man, 23, critical after assault

The scene of the assault at Vere Foster Walk in Belfast

A 23-year-old man is critically ill with head injuries after being assaulted in west Belfast.

He was attacked at Vere Foster Walk in the Upper Springfield Road area shortly after 0600 BST on Sunday.

Police responding to a call, found the man lying on the ground with head and facial injuries. It is understood he had been attacked with a broken bottle.

Sinn Féin councillor Janice Austin said young people need to have more respect for their community.

"Young people want to go out they want to enjoy themselves but the danger is in carrying weapons or the use of weapons," she said. "It is lethal.

"Today we have a young man who is seriously ill in hospital fighting for his life."

The police are trying to establish a motive for the attack.