A 17-year-old boy has sustained a “potentially life-threatening head injury” following an assault in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The incident occurred just after 2:25 am on Sunday morning on Butcher Street in the city centre.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), officers found the teenage victim lying unconscious on the ground after being alerted to an altercation between two individuals. CCTV operators in the city centre had witnessed the incident and reported it to the authorities.
However, by the time the police arrived, the other person involved in the altercation had already left the scene. The injured teenager was immediately taken to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Detective Inspector Connolly of the PSNI has appealed for witnesses to come forward and assist with the investigation. “We know that a number of people were in the area at the time and would appeal to anyone who witnessed this shocking incident to come forward,” he said.
The police are urging anyone who may have information about the assault, or who was in the Butcher Street area around the time of the incident, to contact them. They are particularly interested in speaking with individuals who may have seen the altercation or have any relevant footage or photographs.
This latest incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks that have occurred in Londonderry in recent months. The city has seen a rise in antisocial behaviour and public disorder, prompting calls for increased security measures and community engagement to address the underlying issues.
The PSNI has assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice. They have also reiterated their appeal for the public’s assistance in providing any information that could aid the inquiry.
