Attack on paramedic condemned

Foyle MP Mark Durkan said: "This attack must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

"I know that the vast majority of local people will be horrified by this attack on a paramedic whose work involves serving the people of Derry and further afield.

"That a paramedic was subjected to such a terrifying and unprovoked attack whilst carrying out his medical care duties is nothing short of appalling.

"Stringent sentences are the only option for people who are convicted of this type of vicious and cowardly attack."

MLA Martina Anderson also condemned the attack.

She said: "This is a very shocking incident and people I have spoken to this morning are outraged on hearing the news. There needs to be a zero tolerance of attacks on our emergency services, hospital staff, health and social care service staff. They work in very demanding circumstances .The last thing they need is to have to look over their shoulder for fear of attack whilst carrying out their duties.

"We all have a part to play in challenging violence against any of our public sector workers.

"We need to ensure that any and all attacks against emergency and health service workers result in appropriate punishment and we need to ensure good resourcing to support staff training in dealing with potentially difficult situations and support for victims of attack."