Police attacked whilst attending Waterside fire

THE PSNI came under attack at Gobnascale yesterday evening whilst attending the scene of a fire in which a man was critically injured.

A police spokeswoman confirmed that officers were attacked by youths hurling fireworks and other missiles at the scene. The incident took place at around 8pm and lasted for a brief period according to the PSNI.

Police and emergency crews were in the area examining the scene of a house fire at Rose Court that broke out yesterday afternoon.

The victim, 74-year-old George Boyle has been transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital and is being treated in intensive care. He is thought to be in a critical condition. It is thought that Mr Boyle risked his life by returning going back into the house in an attempt to save his pet dogs.

The alarm was raised by a local father and son who attempted to gain entry to house to aid the victim.

The Fire and Rescue Service said that the bottom and first floors of the house were in fire when they arrived at the scene. The fire crews deployed water jets to prevent fire spreading to neighbouring houses. The cause of the blaze is being investigated although the Fire and Rescue Service stated the outbreak of the fire was accidental.