Police say teens were hurt in ‘vicious’ attack by gang of youths with ‘Belfast, Ballymena and Derry accents’

Police say people with ‘Derry accents’ were among a gang of between 30 and 50 who attacked and injured four teenage boys in Portrush over the weekend.
Press Eye - Stock Photos - Covid19 - 13th May 2020
Photograph by Declan Roughan

Portrush - East StrandPress Eye - Stock Photos - Covid19 - 13th May 2020
Photograph by Declan Roughan

Portrush - East Strand
Press Eye - Stock Photos - Covid19 - 13th May 2020 Photograph by Declan Roughan Portrush - East Strand

Police in Coleraine said the “unprovoked” attack took place at around 7.30pm on Saturday on East Strand beach.

Inspector Stephen McCafferty said the four boys were approached by a group of between 30 and 50 other young people who “suggested they fight” but when the four boys refused and turned away they were set upon by members of the larger group.

“This was an unprovoked and vicious attack on four young people – and we are appealing to anyone who saw what happened to get in touch with police,” Mr McCafferty said.

“One sustained a cut above his eye, another fell to the ground and was beaten around the head with what we believe was possibly a hammer or other metal object.

“The third was then pushed into the sea and an attempt made to hold his head under the water.

“Another of the friends was hit by a bottle on the shoulder.

“We believe the incident took place about halfway along East Strand beach.

“The perpetrators were said to be wearing dark tracksuits and they spoke with Belfast, Ballymena and Derry accents.”

Anyone with any information should call police on the non-emergency number 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.