POLICE officers were forced to abandon an attempt to arrest a car thief in west Belfast after being attacked by a group of up to 30 stone-throwing youths.
The incident happened in Ross Street, in the lower Falls area, at around 6pm on Wednesday.
Police said its officers managed to corner the vehicle, which had been hijacked from a delivery driver and twice attempted to ram a PSNI Land Rover, before being confronted by the crowd.
In a post on the PSNI Facebook page, police wrote: "They were met with a crowd of 20 to 30 youths who decided to stone the vehicles. The Auto Crime Team were forced to pull out. Thankfully no-one was injured in this reckless behaviour.
"In an attempt to arrest the individual the crowd again set upon the Land Rover making it too dangerous for officers to apprehend the suspect. The vehicle was then removed...This vehicle was hijacked last night from a delivery driver who was working.
"Someone’s pride and joy, their transport to and from work, and their source of income taken from them all for reckless action and "a bit of fun"," the police statement said.
The PSNI however ruled out the possible use of water cannons, as suggested by one Facebook user.
In response to the suggestion they replied: "I like your thinking. But unfortunately these incidents develop within a few minutes. Not long enough to deploy such resources. We are constantly working on new strategies to try and apprehend individuals."
Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact officers on 101.
