Diver condemnsWaterside attacks

SDLP councillor Gerard Diver also condemned a later attack on a woman near Clooney Terrace, which police say was carried out by the same group of youths.

“I unreservedly condemn these attacks,” he said. “It is very hard to imagine what goes through the minds of people who would carry out such attacks.

“At a time when great efforts are being made to attract visitors to our city and promote Derry as having a unique atmosphere and a famous warm welcome, such attacks create the wrong impression to visitors.

“I would appeal for anyone with information regarding these attacks to pass it on to the PSNI immediately.

“The community need to send out a very strong message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in the Waterside or elsewhere.”

Police in Londonderry are appealing for information following the assaults.

Around 9.30pm a 49 year old man was attacked by a group of unknown youths as he made his way along the road towards his hotel.

The youths punched and kicked him to the ground. The man’s was treated for cuts and bruising.

In a second incident a short time later in the Clooney Terrace area a woman in her late teens/early twenties was also attacked by the same group. She also received minor injuries and her handbag was stolen.

Four people (two men aged 17 and 19; and two females aged 17 and 18) were arrested. Three remain in custody and one female has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed either attack or who has any information is asked to contact detectives at Strand Road CID on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity “Crimestoppers” and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.