Hussey is appalled by sectarian assaults

Councillor Hussey, who represents the Derg electoral area on the new Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: “I have today (Sunday, April 5) been contacted by a very distraught local family in regard to two assaults at different locations reported as having occurred in the early hours of Easter Sunday morning in Castlederg town centre.

“In both instances the same two young men reported being assaulted, firstly in the vicinity of the town’s Main Street Ulster Bank and latterly whilst walking along the Killeter Road close to the local Credit Union. Despite the locations there is no suggestion that the motive was robbery.

“After socialising in Castlederg on the Saturday evening, one of the victims had gone to an ATM where he and his companion have said that they were physically assaulted by a group and verbal sectarian insults were directed at both young men.

“Having managed to escape from this attack they both again reported being attacked about fifteen to twenty minutes later, in a similar manner, by a smaller group whilst making their way to the home of one the victims.

“These physical and verbal assaults have been reported to PSNI by both of the victims and I further understand that they have also been asked to seek medical examination in regard to possible injuries. Police are investigating these complaints.”

Mr Hussey condemned the sectarian assaults and called on anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI.

“There is absolutely no place in our society for this type of sectarian incident to have occurred.

“I am dismayed that this type of abuse can continue in our area and trust that those who were involved in these incidents can be made amenable to the law.

“To this effect I hope PSNI investigators may be able to gather information from CCTV cameras in the area and would urge anyone with additional information to contact the PSNI on telephone no 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”