AN investigation is underway after footage emerged of a "disgusting" alleged assault involving a group of young people in west Belfast.
The video, which is circulating on social media after being filmed on Saturday, shows the group confronting another youngster in the Falls Park area.
Members of the group are shown rifling through the young male's pockets before they demand he hand items over and attack him, appearing to punch him several times and holding him while others throw punches.
One youngster in the group can be seen wielding what appears to be a bottle as he runs towards the victim and another nearby male.
The footage comes in the wake of a video circulating online of an attack by a group of youths on another young male at Ballymoney train station.
Condemning the incident, SDLP councillor Paul Doherty said the footage was "disgusting".
"My thoughts are with him as he recovers from what must have been an extremely frightening incident," he said of the victim.
"The victim in this video could have been seriously hurt or worse and the young people behind this attack are engaging in serious criminal behaviour which could have dire consequences for their futures.
“It’s great that we have spaces like Falls Park for the public to enjoy, particularly during such a spell of good weather, but families must feel able to visit our parks without worrying about attacks of this nature or other anti-social behaviour."
Sinn Féin councillor Ronan McLaughlin said: "This footage is disturbing and my thoughts are with the young victim. No-one should be subjected to this kind of behavior, and I would appeal to anyone who has information on those behind this incident to bring it to police."
A PSNI spokesperson said members of the local neighborhood policing team have spoken with the victim and are "working to identify others involved in the incident".
"Not only are we concerned for the wellbeing of the young people involved, we also recognise that Falls Park is a popular community space enjoyed by everyone and we want the public to feel safe when they are there," they said.
"We would appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened, or who may have further footage of the incident that could help with our investigation, to please get in touch with police by ringing 101 and quoting reference 2161 05/06/23.
