Knife horror at council

The man was attending a hearing at Derry City Council’s Strand Road offices where it is believed he faced dismissal.

In the course of the hearing the man produced a knife and slashed at his wrists. Police arrested the 52-year-old man for posession of an offensive weapon with intent but later released him on bail pending further enquiries.

The man was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital and was then transferred to Dundonald Hospital on Sunday. He was expected to undergo surgery on the tendons of his wrists.

It is understood that when the man was informed he was to lose his job he produced a Stanley knife from his pocket and proceeded to injure himself.

It is also believed that a union representative suffered cuts to his hands during attempts to restrain him.

Two members of the council’s Human Resources Department present in the room at the time were said to be ‘badly shaken’ and left the scene at once.

Speaking about the incident a man said: “There was blood everywhere. The last thing I remember is the ambulance and the police arriving.”

It is believed the arrested man has worked at the council for over 30 years in a number of departments, including the airport and civic amenity sites.

A council official confirmed that an incident had taken place and said the matter remains under investigation.