30 involved in sectarian attack on three Protestant boys in Derry
Three Protestant boys had “no chance to escape” when they were attacked by a gang of up to 30 youths in Derry city centre last night, it has been claimed.
One of the youngsters, one aged 13 and the other two 15, sustained a broken nose in the incident which police are treating as a sectarian hate crime.
Three male youths were arrested following the incident which occurred on the city side of the Peace Bridge at around 10.00pm.
It is understood it followed an altercation in a shopping centre.
One of those arrested, aged 13, has been released on bail pending further police enquiries and two, aged 14, remain in police custody.
DUP MLA Gary Middlleton condemned those behind the attack and paid tribute to members of the public who, he said, risked their own safety when they intervened in attempt to save the young victims.tHSDLP MLA, Pat Ramsey, also condemned those behind the attack and called on parents to keep “a special eye” on their children.
Mr Middleton was speaking after visiting the families of the young boys along with Steven Finlay, from the Waterside Restorative Practice. He said the families wanted no retaliation.
He said: “The young teenagers had no chance to escape the attack which was perpetrated by 30 youths. “The victims were beaten up and it is unfortunate to report that one of the victims has suffered a broken nose as a result of the attack.”
Mr Middleton said the “vast majority” of people “utterly condemn” sectarian attacks.
He added: “It must be stated that there is no place in our society for hate filled activity.
“A culture of fear and intimidation has been created by the perpetrators who preyed on the innocent victims for purely sectarian reasons.
“A clear message has been sent out from the families of the victims stating that they want no acts of retaliation, they are keen to encourage no violent acts or hatred speech as a result of the attack.
“Many people are working hard to make the city a shared space and this has now created fear in young Protestants who have been socialising within the city in what should be a shared environment.
“Praise is due to the passengers of cars who passed the incident and stopped in an attempt to help the victims, risking their own safety for the innocent young men who were under attack.
“Thankfully, some of the perpetrators have been identified and arrests made, hopefully this will discourage anymore of these acts of violence on our streets.
“Incidents like this puts further pressure on local community groups who work hard at encouraging young people to engage in cross community activity.”
Mr Middleton continued: “The actions of these youths will not stop continued work across the city in securing a better and shared future for our young people.”
Mr Ramsey said people in the community “know this behaviour is not acceptable and only tarnished the image” of the city.
He added: “My message to those involved in these incidents is clear.Please stop now before a more serious incident occurs and someone is very badly injured.
“Those responsible will be apprehended and already have been identified by the PSNI.”
Mr Ramsey concluded: “Finally, and importantly, I make the strongest appeal I can to parents to a keep a special eye and attention on their children."
PSNI Inspector Tony Moore appealed to anyone who may have witnessed this assault to contact police at Strand Road on the non-emergency number 101.
He added if anyone preferred to not to their details they could contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.