Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Brutal attack condemned

Published: 23 February, 2009

Sinn Féin Councillor Cathy Rafferty has spoken out following an unwarranted attack on a young man in the Cathedral Road Callanbridge area on Friday Night into Saturday morning, the Councillor said

"I was contacted by this sixteen year old youths family who are understandably shocked at the attack he suffered, this young man had been out to celebrate his birthday and after getting off a bus at the Shambles was making his way home when a car pulled up beside him. The car contained three men, one of whom got out of the car and asked him for a light. When this man was told that the youth didn't smoke he asked for cigarettes and when again told he didn't smoke he demanded the youths mobile phone"

"The young man didn't have a mobile as it had broken on him just a few days previously and when he informed the driver of this he was brutally attacked by all occupants of the car"

"This young man needed hospital treatment for his injuries including stitches to his head, I would urge anyone with information on this attack to pass it on to the relevant authorities. These anti-community elements must be taken off our street before more people are attacked."

I would also urge everyone to be on their guard against these sort of thugs and that parents make their children aware that through no fault of their own these sort of thugs can present all sorts of dangers when walking alone late at night and to be wary of any strange vehicles or people that they encounter, they should also tell them get away from any confrontation as quickly as possible."