West Belfast: Translink Glider inspector in hospital after attack

A Translink inspector has been taken to hospital after being assaulted on the Glider in west Belfast, police have said.

The attack happened in Lenadoon on Thursday at about 17:20 BST.

The staff member was spat at and he was punched in the face. It is understood he has a suspected broken nose.

The attacker, and a woman accompanying him, were removed from the bus, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Translink said it strongly condemned the attack on its staff member who was taken to hospital and that he is being "offered all available supports". 

Sinn Féin MP for Belfast West Paul Maskey said attacks on Translink staff needed to stop "before someone is seriously injured".

"I'm calling on those involved in this to please stop these attacks and I appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the police," he said.

SDLP councillor for West Belfast Paul Doherty also condemned the attack.

"This is an abhorrent attack on a Translink staff member while just trying to do their job," he said.

"Nobody should be subjected to something like this while working."

He added that attacks led to a risk of services in the area being withdrawn.

Police said the suspect was described as being in his late 20s or early 30s, with short blonde hair and was wearing a grey tracksuit with the hood up.

A Translink spokesperson said the safety of staff and passengers was the company's top priority.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.