Cllr Angela Dobbins.
There has been a call for increased police patrols at Derry’s underpass tunnels following a serious assault on 15-year-old girl in the city in the early hours of this morning.
Police are hunting a man described as being approximately 20-21 years of age with a single upper tooth following the incident which took place between 1.30am and 3.00am at an underpass tunnel on Racecourse Road adjacent to the Shantallow estate.
Police say the assailant, who was was wearing a red coloured hooded top with white stripes, spoke with a local Derry incident.
Local SDLP Councillor Angela Dobbins said the underpass tunnel where the attack took place had a long association with anti-social behaviour, alcohol and drugs, and has called for “urgent action” to be taken to deal with the problem, including an increase in police patrols.
Cllr Dobbins said: “Every other weekend there are reports of a assaults, regardless of gender or age, in our communities.
“This assault took place at an underpass tunnel that has been highlighted as an area that attracts anti social behaviour and has been associated with alcohol and drugs.
“I am calling for urgent action to be taken regarding these underpass tunnels; as they cannot be closed then adequate lighting and more frequent patrols are a necessity.
“A detailed description of the assault has been given to police and I would appeal to anyone who knows this man to contact the PSNI or contact a local councillor>”
Cllr Dobbins concluded: “My thoughts are with this young teenager and her family, and I wish her a speedy recovery.”
