A male cyclist attacked a Road Safety Partnership van in east Belfast and then set upon an off duty police officer who intervened.
Police said that at about 6.40pm on Monday evening, the cyclist approached the van on the Belmont Road 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.
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.
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.”
