Man charged following discovery of bicycle and items in Coleraine

Police in Coleraine, investigating the discovery of a bicycle and a bag containing a number of items in the Strand Road area of the town on Thursday, February 13, have this evening, Saturday, February 22, charged a man to court.

The man, aged 40, was arrested in the Portstewart area earlier this morning.

He has been charged with common assault, false imprisonment, possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, domestic abuse offences, and two counts of theft.

He is expected to appear before Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday, February 24.

As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has recognised efforts of police following the arrest.

The East Derry MLA said: “I want to place on record my appreciation for the efforts of police over the past week.

“This incident caused huge concern in the local area, both I and local councillor Niamh Archibald were contacted by many people, and women in particular, about it.

“Significant efforts have went into investigating this incident and to also reassuring the local community. I want to thank the Superintendent Sineád McIldowney and the Coleraine Neighbourhood Policing Team for that, and for their engagement with us in relation to concerns being raised.

“Any woman facing domestic abuse or who is concerned about their safety needs to feel they can come forward and that they will be listened to and supported.

“I would continue to urge anyone with information that may be useful to the police to bring it forward.”