News Story

A teenager has been charged after a petrol bomb attack on a police officer earlier this year.

Police said the incident happened during disorder in Carrickfergus on June 9.

A police spokesperson said the officer was injured after being “engulfed in flames”, while a second officer’s hair was singed.

The 17-year-old male is due to appear before Belfast Youth Court on October 5.

“He (the officer) sustained burns to his face after being engulfed in flames, before the fire was extinguished,” a police spokesperson said.

“Flames also engulfed a police vehicle as a result of the same attack resulting in another officer having their hair singed and experiencing breathing difficulties.”

They said detectives arrested a 17-year-old youth on Thursday, adding that quantities of suspected Class B and Class C controlled drugs were also seized from the address.

“He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences, including possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply, and was later released on bail pending further inquiries into this separate investigation,” they said.

“As a result of the petrol bomb attack on the officer, he has been charged with offences including riot, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, making a petrol bomb, possessing a petrol bomb, throwing a petrol bomb, criminal damage and assault on police.

“As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”

The police spokesperson added: “This officer was carrying out his duties to help keep communities safe when he was assaulted during what would have been a terrifying incident.

“We welcome the charges, which will help ensure accountability for what happened.”