Park ranger attacked

The ranger was closing the gates at the Avenue Road when he heard something strike his vehicle.

He got out to investigate and found a rock had been thrown at the vehicle causing minor damage.

He was then attacked by a youth and four other hooded youths joined in the assault.

The youths were said to have been aged around 14 to 16.

The assault was only ended when another member of park staff came to the man’s aid.

It’s understood the man received a broken thumb during the attack but was back at work the next day.

The ‘MAIL’ also understands there may be CCTV footage of the gang involved in the assault.

The chair of Leisure Services Meta Crozier hit out at the attack and said: “I was shocked when I heard about this and want to commend our staff for the way in which they dealt with this and condemn this attack unreservedly.

“Our staff are committed to their work and its unacceptable that this member of staff was subject to this.

“I understand that there is an ongoing police investigation and would ask that if anyone witnessed or heard about this attack to contact the PSNI in order to help catch the culprits.”

At Monday’s mid monthly council meeting Mayor of Craigavon Alan Carson commented: “I totally condemn this uncalled for attack on a member of park staff.

“It might have only been a fractured thumb but it could have been a lot worse.

“Things like this have no place in our society.”