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Translink workers have been battered in a “savage” attack on a Glider crew.

A Customer Revenue Protection Officer was dragged from the vehicle close to the Twin Spires on the Lower Falls in West Belfast and beaten, while a driver who tried to help was struck with a brick, an angry union representative says.

The incident happened at around 6.30pm on Thursday as the bus made its way towards the city centre. Details are only starting to emerge, however it is understood a group of youths boarded the Glider in the Falls Park area before trouble started.

One source, familiar with the incident, told Belfast Live: “The young ones were only about 15/16, but they had carryouts with them and started getting aggressive with other customers on the Glider. A CRPO, which is like the old conductors who check tickets and that, confronted them.

“But they started getting worse so he told the driver to go on down the road. But then, at the Twin Spires, one of them grabbed the CRPO by the body-cam he has strapped around him and trailed him off the bus. There were about six or seven of them attacking him.

“The bus driver then ran over to try and help and he was hit with a brick. Whether or not it was organised or not, I don’t know, but a big crowd of about 15 young ones, all about the same age, appeared and started attacking them as well.”

It is understood the two Translink workers were kept in hospital overnight, with the CRPO suffering significant injuries including bruising around the body, to the ribs and an injured hand.

Other CRPOs then managed to intervene, it is understood. However, due to the fact the Gliders cannot drive away when the doors are open the crew found it difficult to escape the scene. The doors remain open if sensors detect anyone in close proximity.

It is understood a Translink mobile support vehicle arrived soon after and took the injured staff to hospital.

The police have not yet commented on the incident.

Davy Thompson, a senior representative at union Unite, condemned the attack.

He added: “This is a savage attack on public servants out doing a day’s work. It’s an absolute disgrace and I would call on all public representatives to do all they can to help bring these people before the courts.”

Translink condemned the “serious incident”.

A spokesperson said: “The safety and welfare of our staff and passengers is our top priority and we are assisting the PSNI with their investigation.

“We operate a cash reward scheme offering up to £1,000 to any member of the public who witnesses any anti-social incident against our staff, vehicles or property and is prepared to give evidence in court, resulting in a conviction.”

The police said they received the report of an incident on a bus in the Northumberland Street area of West Belfast at around 8.50pm on Thursday evening.

Sergeant Connolly added: “A number of youths who had boarded the bus were reported to have become rowdy and two members of staff were subsequently assaulted.

“Anyone who witnessed what occurred should contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1443 of 27/12/18.

“Alternatively, information can 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.”

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