Police in Derry are appealing for witnesses following a report of a sectarian assault on a teenage boy in the Waterside area of the city at the weekend.
Inspector William Calderwood said: “It was reported to us yesterday that at around 10:10pm on Saturday night, 19 May, a 15-year-old boy was walking along Rossdowney Road with his friends when they were stopped outside a shop by a group of approximately 30 youths.
“One of the males in the group, described as being at least five-feet six-inches tall with brown hair and a blonde fringe, aged 16 or 17 and wearing glasses, stopped and spoke to the boy. It was reported this male then called over three other youths who were with him and the 15-year-old boy was assaulted.
“The victim sustained a number of kicks to his head, face and back and a punch to his face. His shirt was also ripped off him.
“The attack ended up on the middle of the road where, at some point, the victim was able to get to his feet and run up the road towards a roundabout. A member of the public who was driving a white jeep-type vehicle stopped and took the victim home.
“The victim subsequently attended hospital where he was treated for his injuries, which included bruising to his back and face, grazes to his arms and legs and a chipped tooth.
“This was a vicious attack, which is being treated as a sectarian assault at this time.
“I am appealing to anyone who was on the Rossdowney Road on Saturday evening between 10.10pm and 10:30pm and witnessed the assault to contact us. I would also ask drivers travelling on the road around the time the assault occurred, and who have a dash can fitted to their vehicle to check their footage.
“I would also appeal to the man who stopped his vehicle and drove the victim home to get in touch.
“Anyone who has information about this assault is asked to call police at Strand Road on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 731 of 20/05/18. 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.”
The attack has been condemned by Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson.
He said: "This must have been a very frightening experience for the young boy who was attacked and I hope he makes a speedy recovery. There can be no place for sectarianism in our City.
“Those responsible need to realise the possible consequences of their actions. At a time when communities in the Waterside are striving to cement peace and encourage reconciliation it would appear that there is a very small minority intent on living in the past.
“I have been warning over recent times about an increase in such attacks. And we cannot allow a situation that during the hours of darkness parts of the Waterside become no-go areas.
“I am calling on the PSNI to put in whatever resources are needed to counteract and apprehend those responsible for carrying out these attacks."
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