Councillors condemn ‘sickening’ attack
Thursday, 18 September 2008
LOCAL councillors have voiced their condemnation of an attack on a gay man in Maghera on Sunday night (14).
Two men were returning home after a night out in the town centre when they were set upon by a group between 2am and 2.30am.
After being subjected to verbal abuse near the town centre the group chased the two men to the nearby Crawfordsburn estate where they were assaulted. One of the victims fled to his parent's home but was followed by the group who bit his mother when she attempted to stop the attack. The victims father was later taken to hospital after suffering chest pains as a result of the incident.
Both men suffered injuries to their face and heads during the attack. Police are treating the assault as a homophobic incident and are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area and could help identify those involved.
Magherafelt SDLP Cllr, Kate Lagan condemned the attack saying: "This attack was absolutely horrendous, an unprovoked attack on someone as they walked home and in such a brutal and vicious manner. I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward and help get these people off the streets."
Magherafelt District Policing Partnership chairman Sean McPeake also denounced the attack saying, "The message must go out loud and clear that such sickening homophobic attacks have no place in our society.
“Everyone regardless of class, creed, colour, nationality or sexuality has the right to live their lives with full dignity and in peace."
If you have any information the number to call is 0845 600 8000 or alternatively information can be passed on anonymously to 'Crimestoppers' on 0800 555 111.
