SENIOR UN OFFICIAL INJURED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

SARAJEVO, Jan 30 (Hina) - The International Police on Thursday called on western Mostar police to promptly identify and prosecute the person who assaulted a senior UN official in Mostar on Wednesday. The unknown assailant attacked the UN Joint Police Force coordinator in Mostar, Alva Emerson, on Wednesday evening, UN spokesman Alexander Ivanko said. A group of activists with the western Mostar-based humanitarian organisation "Mladi Most" ("Young Bridge") had complained to Emerson of having been attacked by an unknown person, who also shot their dog dead. They were able to point the perpetrator out to Emerson, but when he tried to detain him, the suspect threatened him with a gun and brandished a police shield. A seasoned US policeman, Emerson tracked the perpetrator to a nearby building where he hid hoping to escape observation. When the offender finally emerged from the building, Emerson promptly collared him and read him his rights. But the hulk fought back, landing Emerson several vicious blows. Undeterred, Emerson deftly disabled him and handed him into the custody of western Mostar police. The investigation is yet to establish the identity of the offender and the truth of his claim of being a member of the local police force. (hina) jn as 301636 MET jan 97