6 days Ago
The men were arrested in connection with a report of criminal damage on Sunday evening in the Irish Street area of the city. Police said both have been released on bail to allow for further enquiries. A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police are continuing to investigate a number of incidents over the weekend including damage to a bus, an assault on youths, criminal damage and disorder which, at this time, are believed to be linked.
” There was condemnation in the area after video footage was circulated appearing to show two boys being set upon by a gang of youths. In the clip, one is seen being punched and kicked as he’s sitting down while another is repeatedly pounded with a garden table as he lies on the ground. The PSNI said that incident was one of a number being investigated during the weekend, including damage to a bus, criminal damage and disorder.
Police also said a police vehicle which was carrying two police dogs was damaged by young people in the Irish Street area who threw objects at it. Police confirmed the dogs were not injured as a result. PSNI Chief Inspector Luke Moyne previously said: “At this stage, as enquiries into each of these incidents are ongoing, we are continuing to work with relevant partners and stakeholders, focusing our patrols where they are needed and taking positive action where we can.
“Anyone who engages in anti-social behaviour needs to consider the consequences of their actions and of the dangers of getting involved in this type of behaviour. "Ultimately, they could end up with a criminal record which may impact their future employment and travel prospects.” In a statement, Foyle SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said: “I was absolutely sickened by what I've seen circulating on social media - two young men being set upon by a gang in a savage attack.
"It's being reported that this was a sectarian attack and has the potential to light the fuse on a situation that has been simmering in the Waterside for some time. “It is important that peace prevails and no retaliation is sought, inevitably innocent people will get hurt or even worse - as I watched the video I could not help but think of my old schoolmate Paul McCauley, who died as the result of a sectarian attack in the Waterside nearly 20 years ago. “We also saw an attack on a bus returning from a cross-community and cross-cultural football tournament in Omagh, with passengers injured by broken glass.
This must have an incredibly frightening incident and this senseless violence must cease before anyone else is hurt. “I’d like to pay tribute to the efforts of locals community workers to stop this situation from getting worse. They do really valuable and often thankless work to support local young people, keep them out of trouble and create opportunities for them.
“I hope the two boys who were attacked make a swift recovery from their physical injuries and the undoubted psychological impact that such trauma can bring. Anyone with information about the attack should bring it to the police and those responsible must be apprehended.”.
