Woman punched in face, hospitalised in 'despicable' Derry shop attack

A woman required hospital treatment after being punched in the face by a man with blonde hair, wearing a navy top, shorts, socks and sandals in a 'despicable' attack in Derry.
By Kevin Mullan
Published 12th Aug 2022, 09:27 BST
Updated 12th Aug 2022, 14:57 BST
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The incident occurred in a shop in Kilfennan on Thursday night.

The woman, a member of staff, was left 'terrified' by the attack.

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Police are appealing for information and witnesses following the report of a theft and assault at the shop in the Church Meadow area on Thursday, August 11.

The shop in Church Meadow where the assault occurred.The shop in Church Meadow where the assault occurred.
The shop in Church Meadow where the assault occurred.

Sergeant Morrow said: “Police received a report that four males arrived at the premises in a silver vehicle, entering the shop shortly after 9pm. They caused a disturbance in the store and had stolen a number of items.

“While leaving the shop one of the males was confronted by a staff member and he punched her on the side of her face. She required hospital treatment for her injuries.

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“Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and the males are described as being aged in their mid-20s, with one possibly in his 40s.

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“The male who carried out the assault has blonde hair and was wearing a navy zipped top, shorts and socks with sandals."

SDLP MLA Sinéad McLaughlin said: “My thoughts are with the victim of this heinous attack as she recovers from such an awful incident. I would encourage anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI so those responsible can feel the full force of the law."

Sergeant Morrow concluded: “My thoughts are with the victim of this heinous attack as she recovers from such an awful incident. I would encourage anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI so those responsible can feel the full force of the law."

“This was a despicable attack and the staff member was left incredibly shaken by what was obviously a terrifying experience for her.

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“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information, or who saw four males matching these descriptions, to call detectives on 101, quoting reference number 2131 of 11/08/22.”

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

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