A local councillor has expressed shock after a man was taken to hospital with ‘significant head injuries’ after being discovered in a street in Creggan.

Police said the man may have been lying in Benevenagh Gardens for some time when the incident was reported shortly after 6am on Thursday morning.

Sinn Féin Councillor Emma McGinley said: “I have spoken to the PSNI in relation to the incident, where around 6am this morning a man was found laying on the road in Benevenagh Gardens with significant head injuries, and has since been taken to hospital.

“Police are still trying to establish what has happened and are asking for anyone who has doorbell or dash cam footage or any information to pass it on to be investigated.

"There is shock at the discovery that a man appears to have been lying injured for a significant period of time, in the early hours of this morning before the emergency services were alerted."

Chief Inspector Ian Ferriby said: "We believe the man may have been lying on the ground for some time before he was located and the incident reported.

"Our officers have carried out a number of enquiries so far, including speaking with residents, and I want to thank everyone who has assisted police."

Colr. McGinley said: "My thoughts at this stage are with the man who is in hospital, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.

"I would encourage anyone with information to pass it on, so the facts can be established and a full investigation can be carried out."