Man hospitalised following 'savage' burglary and assault in Derry

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information about an aggravated burglary and assault in Creggan in Derry overnight which has left a man hospitalised. 

Shortly before 9pm last night, Tuesday 17 March, it was reported that a short time earlier a number of masked men had forced their way into a house in Melmore Gardens where a man was subjected to a sustained attack by masked men using weapons. The victim, aged in his forties, was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries, where he remains this morning. 

There were four other people in the house at the time of the attack, including two teenage children. They did not report any physical injuries. 

Detective Inspector Lizzie Ballentine describes the attack as "savage". 

"From our enquiries so far, three masked men are reported to have carried out what appears to have been a sustained attack on the victim as he lay in his bed.

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“This was a savage attack. No one deserves to be attacked.  There is no justification for this violence," says Detective Inspector Ballentine. "The trauma caused by this attack will last far beyond the physical injuries. Violence like this leaves deep psychological scars on victims, their families and young people. 

"As we continue with enquiries to establish who carried out this attack and why, I am appealing to anyone who knows who did this to tell police, or to report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.

"If you have information, or if you saw suspicious activity in the area between 8.30pm and 9pm, I urge you to report it. We are also keen to hear from anyone who has any type of footage - doorbell, CCTV or dashcam - which may have captured the movements of the suspects."

The number to call with information is 101, quoting reference 1616-17/03/26. You can also report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.