Baby escapes injury in County Armagh sectarian assault
The child was travelling in a car in Portadown which was attacked by a gang in broad daylight
Last updated 3rd Jul 2018
Police say it is lucky they are not dealing with a sectarian murder after a serious assault in County Armagh.
A man was dragged from a car at traffic lights on Bridge Street, Portadown on Sunday afternoon and set upon by seven other men.
The driver of the car was also assaulted. Both men, who are in their 20s, had to be treated in hospital.
A woman and two-month-old baby who were travelling in the rear of the car escaped injury.
Damage was also caused to the Renault Clio's windscreen and bodywork.
A 15-year-old boy was arrested and later released on bail.
It is understood there have been rising tensions in the area recently. An Eleventh Night bonfire was set alight early and a Republican memorial was attacked.
Chief Inspector Jon Burrows said he was "grateful" his officers were not looking at a sectarian murder, adding the "stakes could be high whenever the tension rises".
He is calling on parents and those with influence within local communities to help calm the situation.
Chief Inspector Burrows is also appealing for information.
"We received a report at approximately 3:25pm (Sunday) that a male passenger, aged in his 20s, was dragged by a number of males from the blue-coloured Renault Clio he was in, which had stopped at traffic lights. It was also reported the male driver, also aged in his 20s, was assaulted.
"Police attended the scene and subsequently arrested a 15-year-old male nearby on suspicion of a number of offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage. He has been released on bail, pending further enquiries.
"I am appealing to anyone who was in the area between 3:20pm and 3:25pm on Sunday and witnessed the assault, or any drivers who have a dash cam fitted to their vehicles to check their footage.
"Anyone with information they believe could assist our investigation is asked to contact police on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1114 of 01/07/18. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."