Attack by masked hammer-wielding gang in Derry 'brutal' says policing partnership chair Martin Reilly

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following the incident in Greater Shantallow last night.

Councillor Reilly stated: "Attacks like these are not acceptable in our society and must be condemned by all of us. The people of this city are shocked and disgusted that these incidents continue to take place. The brutal attack on this young man stands in stark contrast to the great community spirit shown by the people of this area during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

"There is absolutely no justification for these attacks. It is clear that those responsible for this have absolutely no concern for people living in the Ballyarnett area nor do they represent the interests of the people living there. My thoughts are with the young victim and with the people living in the area who have had to endure this. I would urge anyone with information on this incident to contact the PSNI or Crimestoppers immediately."

Detective Sergeant Richard Donnell said: “Police received a report at approximately 9.45pm that up to eight masked man had arrived at a property in Earhart Park earlier that evening, at approximately 9.30pm, and spoke with a man at the address. It was reported one of the men was armed with a hammer.

“It was reported the man, aged in his twenties, was then subsequently assaulted close to the bus stop in Earhart Park and beaten with a hammer."

DS Donnell appealed to the public for information.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in Earhart Park area and witnessed this incident to call our detectives at Strand Road on 101, quoting reference number 1522 of 28/03/21.”

You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/