Drunken mob 'cheered attackers'

A community worker has said a drunken mob cheered as he and his son were assaulted on their own doorstep.

Martin Kelly, who works with his local community watch scheme, said he was targeted because of his work in trying to combat anti-social behaviour.

Up to 40 people gathered outside the house in the St James's area of west Belfast during the incident on Sunday.

He said several people attacked them with belts. One man who was arrested has been released on police bail.

Mr Kelly's wife Pauline rang him to say a large crowd had gathered outside their house and their son was being attacked.

After running home, he said several people assaulted him and other members of the family as the rest of the crowd egged them on.

Their son received a head wound and he was left with a large welt on his shoulder.

A female police officer attending the scene was also assaulted.