Mayor condemns attack on schoolgirl

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Sandra Duffy has condemned the recent hate crime attack on a young schoolgirl in Derry’s city centre.

Mayor Duffy said the incident was shocking and appealed to anyone with information or who witnessed the attack to contact the PSNI.

Mayor Duffy said: “As a mother of two daughters I was shocked and upset that a 12 year old girl would have to endure this type of hate in our city centre. I want to offer my support to the young girl and her family and reassure them that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated. Our city centre should be a safe space for every young person to visit and socialise and  I would appeal to anyone who has information relating to this attack to report it to the PSNI.

“As we approach the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement it is imperative that we continue to create a safe and shared environment for all our communities.”

The attack has also been condemned by Sinn Féin Waterside Councillor Christopher Jackson.

Cllr Jackson added: "This must have been a very frightening experience for this young girl. 

“There is no place for sectarianism in our society. 

“The people of this city want and are entitled to an inclusive, better future for them and their children and reject this sectarian behaviour outright.

“I  am appealing to anyone with information about  this attack to bring it to the PSNI.”