Derry police treating 'nasty' assault on 12-year-old boy as ‘sectarian hate crime’
A 12-year-old boy has suffered a concussion in Londonderry following what police are treating as a sectarian hate crime.
Police received a report that a teenager had been assaulted at Derry’s walls near the Fountain area on Monday afternoon around ten past one.
Police say three males, and one female - all believed to be of young teenage age - approached the boy.
One of these males then proceeded to punch the teenager in the face and kicked him on the leg before a member of the public stepped in.
The boy was taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries, which included a concussion.
Police have branded the reported assault as “nasty” with the victim being left in distress.
“Our young people should not live in fear in their own city, and I hope the boy who was attacked is feeling better soon. "
Inspector Michael Gahan said: "This was a nasty assault which has left the victim understandably distressed. This assault is being investigated as a sectarian hate crime and we encourage anyone who can assist with our enquiries to get in touch with us by calling 101 and quoting reference number 1061 of 29/05/23.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has condemned what police have described as a “sectarian hate crime” on the City’s Walls yesterday.
Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: “I totally condemn the attack on a young boy in our city yesterday. Sectarianism and sectarian-motivated violence have no place in Derry and Northern Ireland.
“It is up to us as a society to foster reconciliation, bridge divisions, and build understanding based on respect between our communities at a young age. A new generation of young people, free from the sectarian shackles of the past, must be allowed to flourish in Derry and across Ireland.
“Our young people should not live in fear in their own city, and I hope the boy who was attacked is feeling better soon. I would encourage anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist the police in their investigation."
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