DETECTIVES are appealing for information following the report of a serious assault in east Belfast on Monday, April 22.

Detective Sergeant McArthur said: “At around 10 Pm, we received a report of teenage male who was discovered injured in the Ravenhill Avenue close to Cantrell Close area.

“He was subsequently taken to hospital for injuries not believed to be life threatening at this time.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the Ravenhill Avenue close to Cantrell Close around 9.30 pm on Monday and who witnessed the injured teenager to contact us.

“In particular, I would appeal to a woman who we believe was walking her dog at the time and assisted the male may be able to assist with our enquiries to get in touch.

“A male has been arrested and is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

“Anyone with any information or who believes they can assist our investigation is asked to call us on 101, quoting reference number 1652 22/04/19.”

Alternatively, information can also 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.”

Inspector Keith Hutchinson said: “We have seized a quantity of suspected cannabis and a quantity of suspected class A controlled drugs along with other drugs paraphernalia during a search of an address this afternoon. 

“Proactive searches like this demonstrate our ongoing commitment to tackling the scourge of drugs in our communities.

2We know drugs are an issue of concern for local communities and we understand the misery drugs can cause to communities, to families and to those who get involved in drugs.

“We will continue to disrupt and arrest those involved in the sale and supply of drugs, bring individuals before the courts and work with communities and partner agencies to reduce the threat of this harmful and illegal activity.

“The most effective way to reduce the harm caused by drugs is for police and communities to work together and we would appeal to the community to report anything suspicious on 101.

“Alternatively information about crime can be reported anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”