The public is advised to hand over criminal suspects to the police and not take the law into their own hands by punishing the suspects as the action is against the law.

Acting Besut district police chief, DSP Noorzainy Mohd Noor said as this country had laws, let the police take action by investigating the case following the police report lodged or a citizen's arrest made so as to ensure justice.

He said this following an incident in which a 21-year-old youth from Kampung Jabi became unconscious after he was assaulted by a group of residents for allegedly trying to steal a motorcycle belonging to a resident in Kampung Kubang Bemban, Besut at about 11.30pm yesterday.

Noorzainy said police arrived at the scene following information received and they found the youth lying unconscious on the road before calling for an ambulance to take him to hospital.

He said the youth who suffered head injuries and on his back, besides small cuts on his legs, elbows, knees and hands was now being treated at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital, Kuala Terengganu.

- Bernama