Glider staff member head-butted by passenger - driver subjected to sectarian abuse in separate incident

The Inspector was head-butted by a passenger at the Colin Connect Hub at around 7.30pm causing facial injuries. The assailant then fled on foot.

A 26-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assault and assault on police and remains in custody at present.

In a separate incident a short time earlier, the driver of another Glider was subjected to sectarian abuse by the driver of a white Seat Ibiza while stopped outside the RVH.

Chief Inspector Mark Roberts said: “Attacks, whether physical or verbal, on staff providing any kind of service to the public are completely unacceptable. People should have the right to expect that they can perform their roles as essential workers without fear of attack. We work closely with Translink and will fully investigate when assaults on staff are reported. We are also asking for the support of the local community in showing zero tolerance to abuse of transport staff.

If anyone wishes to report a crime that occurs on any method of public transport, or any offence against Glider staff or passengers, please contact police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”