Man sustains horrific injuries in brutal assault

This is Co Derry man Steven Walsh after he was brutally assaulted while out socialising at the weekend.

His mother, Eileen, said the 31-year-old was the “victim of an unprovoked attack” during which he was hit on the head with a bottle from behind.

Steven, from Magherafelt, sustained two black eyes, score damage to a retina and swelling to his face.

Mrs Walsh said the incident took place while Steven was out with friends in Cookstown on Saturday night.

She claimed her son was attacked from behind as he was standing at the bar with a pal.

She said: “I left Steven and his friend off at around 10.45pm. They had no drink in them at that stage and when they got into the place, they went to the bar to order a drink.

“At that point, Steven was approached from behind and hit on the back of the head with what he thinks was a glass bottle. He was then kicked on the face several times while his arms were being held back.

“His friend was also attacked. They (alleged attackers) grabbed him by the neck and kept squeezing it until he passed out. He was left lying on a pavement outside.”

Describing Steven’s injuries as “horrific,” Mrs Walsh added: “It’s a disgrace the way his face has been left. This was an unprovoked attack. Steven and his friend did nothing wrong.”

Police said one man was arrested in relation to the incident and later released pending further enquiries.

Inspector Daniel Walsh confirmed police were investigating a report of an assault at premises in the Molesworth Street area of Cookstown at around 11.15pm on Saturday

He added: “It was reported that two men had been assaulted. One man was arrested and was released pending further enquiries. Enquiries are ongoing.”