Two arrests after 'terrifying' incident in Derry city centre

Two people have been arrested following a disturbance in the city centre of Derry last night, Wednesday 8 May, during which a member of the public who stopped to diffuse the situation was attacked. 

The incident occurred on Sackville Street where there was a report made to police at around 8pm of a fight involving five to six people. It was reported, as this was ongoing, a member of the public who had his children in his vehicle, intervened, attempting to break up the incident. However, he was assaulted by persons present. His vehicle was also attacked and sustained damage. The man eventually managed to drive away. 

UPDATE: Third arrest after Derry city centre assault on 'Good Samaritan'

When police responded to the incident and attended the scene, a police officer was assaulted, punched on the face. 

Officers have made two arrests, a 25-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man. The woman remains in custody at this time after being arrested on suspicion of common assault, disorderly behaviour and criminal damage. The man also remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill, assault on police, and resisting police.

Enquiries are continuing. 

Superintendent Willy Calderwood said: "This was a despicable incident during which a brave member of the public stopped to diffuse the situation but, in turn, he was viciously assaulted. What's even more distressing is the victim had his children with him. It must have terrifying and, understandably, this has been extremely distressing. This man stopped to help, and his actions are reflective of the overwhelming goodwill that exists in this city. 

"Last night's incident was disgraceful and we are working closely with partners, including City Centre Initiative on this matter, and enquiries continue to identify all those involved." 

Anyone with information, or who witnessed the incident, or has footage of the incident, is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference 1838 of 08/05/24 or make a report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Following the attack on Sackville Street, Foyle SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan commented: “The incident on Sackville Street yesterday evening was absolutely abhorrent. Thinking of the good Samaritan who stepped in to help and his poor children, who were in the car at the time during what was an extremely frightening situation.

“There needs to be a focus on reducing crime and fear of crime in our city centre. It’s heart-breaking to see these problems bleeding on to our streets- products of a broken and dysfunctional society. There have been plenty of issues in Derry with colossal cuts to vital support programmes, cuts to community policing but the situation has been further compounded by vulnerable people being relocated here, away from their own support networks.

"It's not sustainable, quite frankly, it's dangerous and has been allowed to spiral despite countless warnings from myself and others.

“Lifting the lid on this pressure cooker means implementing an urgent framework that focuses on keeping city centres safe, the Housing Executive must focus on local connection and on-hand support services to prevent an escalation in need. The bottom line is keeping people safe- the existing ‘vicious circle’ structure fails to do just that.”