Street thugs

67-year-old Willie Hutchinson (pictured) told of his terror during the unprovoked attack which left him needing stitches to the head.

Mr Hutchinson, his daughters, son-in-law and grandson were returning from a band parade and were walking along Killowen Street around 11pm when they were set upon by a gang.

"All I heard was them shouting 'There's the Orange bastards coming up now' and then they jumped over the railings at the Chinese," said Mr Hutchinson.

"There was a brave wee crowd of them. They pushed me down and I landed on the ground on my face," said the pensioner who later received five stitches at the Causeway Hospital.

"They kicked my grandson in the head and my daughter was knocked unconscious and left lying in the middle of the street.

"I was taken to hospital and apparently a woman came out to look after me while I was lying in the middle of the road waiting for the ambulance to arrive. I just didn't know what had happened.

"When I was taken to hospital I didn't even know that my daughter was there. She can' t move her head now at all and my son-in-law was given a black eye.

"I was terrified and I have lived in Coleraine for 40 years.

"There wasn't one policeman to be seen looking out for us.

"The police will have to do something on this side of the Bann because those folk are just getting away with it."

A 17-year-old woman arrested in connection with Friday's trouble in the Killowen Street area has been released pending further enquiries.

Police, who have launched a full investigation, confirmed that five people were injured when they were set upon by a number of people close to Pates Lane at around 10.50pm.

The injured were a man in his 60s, a man in his 50's, two women, in their 20's and 40's and a 12-year-old boy. None of the injuries are believed to have been serious.

It is understood the culprits made off in the direction of Pates Lane.

A police spokesman said: "Police continue to work closely with the community in this part of the town and can reassure local residents that the assault, which is being treated as a sectarian hate crime, is being actively investigated."

Condemning the attacks, Coleraine mayor, councillor Sandy Gilkinson said yesterday: "I would appeal for calm in the Coleraine area and encourage anyone with information to contact the local PSNI station.

"Coleraine Borough Council is fully committed to improving community relations in the Borough and is working in partnership with the PSNI, key statutory agencies and the local community through a range of activities to address sectarianism and community tensions in Coleraine."

East Londonderry MP, Gregory Campbell, said: "For the last three or four years I have warned about a group of thugs who have attempted to terrorise innocent people in or near the Somerset Drive area of Coleraine.

"Having met with police on a number of occasions, raised the matter in the Assembly and had the First Minister to meet with police chiefs on the issue the trouble still continues.

"Last Friday night a further attack took place on a small number of Protestants in the same locality. There needs to be a strengthened police presence, particularly in the run up to the anniversary of the Kevin McDaid killing later this month which was also in the vicinity." East Derry SDLP Assembly Member John Dallat said he did not believe that this "disgraceful attack" was an indication of rising tension in the area.

"On the contrary the area was very peaceful on Saturday night and our prayers are that it remains that way," he said. Page 8

"I know that the Inspector for the area has had discussions with residents and has given an assurance that police cover will be provided to ensure that such an incident is not repeated.

"It may be seen as a setback for the good work that has been done in that area since the death of Kevin McDaid almost a year ago but I would encourage all those who are involved in building a shared future to continue their good work."

The investigating officers are keen to hear from witnesses and they can be contacted at the CID offices in Coleraine police station by calling 0845 600 8000.