Strabane: Woman critical after drill attack
Teenager questioned after 'potentially homophobic' assault
Last updated 5th May 2018
A 38-year-old woman is in a critical but stable condition in hospital after she was attacked with a cordless drill in Strabane.
The victim sustained a serious head injury in the assault on Railway Street at around two on Saturday morning.
A 17-year-old was arrested near the scene.
He is being questioned in police custody.
Police say they are investigating a 'possible homophobic motive' for the crime and are confident there was only one attacker.
Detective Sergeant Brian Reid said: “This was a brutal attack and the injuries sustained by the victim are extremely grave.
"We are...appealing for witnesses to get in touch with us.
"We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a male carrying a drill in the area at around the time of the assault and we would especially like to speak to anyone who may have captured footage, either on mobile phone or dashcam.
"Anyone with such footage or any other information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police in Strabane on 101, quoting reference number 153 05/05/18.
"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."
The PSNI warned motorists to expect traffic disruption while they search the area.