Cross party condemnation of sectarian attack on Derry teen

Derry City and Strabane District councillor Shaun Harkin (PBP) has condemned "the alleged sectarian attack on a young man in the city centre at the weekend" during which the teenager received a broken nose.

"This kind of attack does not represent the people of the city," said Cllr Harkin. 

"It is reported that a young man suffered a vicious assault carried out because he was perceived to be a Protestant. Any sectarian act hurts every person in this place. Sectarianism like all other forms of hatred must be fought against and never justified," he added.

"There has been an attempt by political forces to ramp-up sectarianism and to engage in relentless culture wars to scapegoat minorities in order to distract from the shambles that passes for governance in this place. 

"People Before Profit will always call for working-class unity and for a society that puts our collective interests over enforced divisions. 

"We send solidarity to the victim of this assault and we pledge to challenge all the forms of hatred that divide our communities and weaken our ability to speak with one voice against the injustices visited upon us. 

"There should be no place for sectarianism in Derry or anywhere else in the North. An injury to one is an injury to all," said Cllr Harkin.

Police in Derry are investigating the assault, which took place "on a boy in the city centre area during the early hours of Sunday, February 22, and are appealing for witnesses and information".

According to the PSNI, the assault is reported to have occurred at around 2.35am in the vicinity of Shipquay Place area, and a number of people are reported to have been present at the time.

The victim, aged in his teens, is reported to have sustained injuries including a broken nose as a result of the assault, which is being investigated as a sectarian-motivated hate crime. 

Police are working to establish the circumstances and appeal to anyone that can assist their enquiries to call 101, quoting reference number 1068 of 22/02/25, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

A report can also be made online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

Condemning the attack, Deputy Mayor, Niree McMorris (DUP) said the boy was "attacked because he was a Protestant". 

"All too often we hear of these mindless attacks happening and it concerns me that some day these attacks will lead to a fatality," added Ald McMorris.

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According to Ald McMorris, the teenager had been attending an 18th birthday party earlier that night and had gone to get something to eat, and was assaulted by a large crowd who shouted sectarian abuse at him.

"The young guy who was only 16 received severe facial injuries and had to get medical attention in hospital," added Ald McMorris, who appealed to anyone with information to contact the police. 

In a social media post, Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan (SDLP) said it was "really troubling to see this tribalism and hatred engendered in the next generation.

"What a sickening headline to wake up to, a young man now left with severe facial injuries following what's being treated as a sectarian attack in the city centre".