“Brave” passers-by and PSNI officers are attacked in an incident in Derry city centre

A police officer and a man who tried to break up a fight between around half a dozen people were reportedly attacked in an incident in Derry city center on Wednesday evening.

According to police, two people were arrested following the “trouble” on Sackville Street around 8 p.m. A man with children in his car who tried to “break up the incident” was reportedly attacked and his vehicle attacked before he “eventually” managed to drive away.

A police officer was also reportedly attacked and punched in the face as the PSNI responded to the incident.

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A PSNI spokesman said: “Two people were arrested following a disturbance in Derry/Londonderry city center last evening, Wednesday 8 May, in which a member of the public who stopped to defuse the situation was attacked.”

“The incident occurred on Sackville Street where a fight involving five to six people was reported to police at around 8pm. A citizen who had his children in his vehicle reportedly intervened as the altercation was still ongoing, but he was also attacked and sustained damage while trying to break up the incident.

The police spokesman continued: “As police responded to the incident and were on scene, an officer was assaulted and punched in the face.”

“Officers have made two arrests, a 25-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man. The woman currently remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, disorderly conduct and criminal damage. The man also remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of threatening to kill, assaulting police and resisting police.

PSNI Superintendent Willy Calderwood said: “This was a despicable incident where a brave member of the public stopped to defuse the situation but was brutally attacked in return. What’s even more disturbing is that the victim had his children with him. It has to be that way.” It is frightening and understandably extremely disturbing. This man stopped to help, and his actions reflect the overwhelming goodwill that exists in this city.

“Last night’s incident was a disgrace and we are working closely with partners, including the City Center Initiative, on this matter and inquiries continue to identify all those involved.”

A police spokesman added: “Anyone with information, who witnessed the incident or who has footage of the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference number 1838 of 05/08/24 or submit an email online via www.psni.police .uk/makeareport Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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