Medics flee man armed with meat cleaver

The crew were attending the call in the Ravelston Way area around 10.30am on Tuesday morning when their patient, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs, suddenly became aggressive and later ran at them brandishing a meat clever and twirling it in a circular motion at them.

The ambulance crew were forced to flee, taking refuge in their vehicle while they waited on the police to arrive.

The PSNI arrived on the scene shortly after and arrested the man.

A spokesman for the Ambulance Service said the crew were left badly shaken.

He said it was vital crews felt safe to work in communities and called for the courts to take appropriate action.

An 18-year-old man was later arrested and charged with intent to commit an indictable offence and two counts of breaching an anit-social behaviour order.

He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, June 20.

As is usual procedure the charges will be reviewed by the PPS.