A group of men, described as a "vigilante gang", were reported to have gone on the rampage in west Belfast's Poleglass estate last night, and seriously injured a youth in the process.

The victim sustained a series of injuries during the assault. The victim's father, David Caldwell, said that during the attack by around 30 men his son suffered two fractured legs, a broken finger and also severe cuts and bruises.

Mr Caldwell added: "I don't think they would have worried if they had have killed him. It wasn't anybody being particularly picked on, it was random."

SDLP assembly member for Lagan Valley, Patricia Lewsley, condemned the attack, saying that the actions were those of a vigilante gang in the area. The assembly member was also critical of the police response to the incident.

"I unreservedly condemn the actions of this groups of vigilantes in Poleglass. I am also saddened by the actions of the PSNI – when confronted they withdrew. Had they called for back up the situation would have been averted.

"It simply proves the lawlessness of some parts of our community. What is required is the PSNI gaining the confidence of the young people in the area so that people from the community will join the new police service."

She added: "It goes without saying that mob rule should not become the norm, restorative justice can only be achieved through an equal and accountable police force."

Elsewhere, a number of police vehicles were damage during two separate incidents in north Belfast last night.

At around 7pm a Landrover was stoned by youths in the area of Ardoyne shop fronts while a police car was also attacked by stone throwers at Brompton Park. There were no injuries reported.

(GMcG)