Paramedic injured in laser beamattack

It is believed that a passing motorist at Lagmore Road in Dunmurry shone a beam at the paramedic’s face in the early hours of Saturday morning,

His retina was damaged as a result and his vision became blurry while transporting the patient to Lagan Valley Hospital. The patient had been complaining of chest pains.

Medical staff attended the ambulance driver when he arrived at Lagan Valley with the patient and he was then taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital where it was confirmed that he suffered burn marks to his retina.

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service condemned the attack.

He said the lives of everyone in the ambulance were put at risk and urged anyone who knew anything about it to contact the police.

“The lives of all in the ambulance along with the other road users including those responsible for the incident were placed in real and immediate danger by those who perpetuated this act,” he said.

“Ambulance crews regularly endure unacceptable levels of verbal and physical abuse as they attempt to treat patients who are in need of care and attention.

“However, the use of a laser beam deliberately directed to the eyes of a member of our staff at any time but particularly while driving a vehicle must be of grave concern to the public as it is to us.”

Police in Lisburn appealed to anyone with information on the incident or who may have been in the area at around 12.40pm to contact offices in Lisburn on 08456008000.