BY MARK McKELVEY
m.mckelvey@ulsterherald.com
POLICE in Omagh are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information concerning a number of serious assaults in the town during the St Patrick's Day weekend.
When the parade had passed and the stage in front of the courthouse was dismantled, a day of celebration in Omagh turned sour as darkness fell.
On Saturday evening at approximately 8pm, a man stopped a police patrol at High Street in Omagh to report he had been assaulted nearby.
Then, at about 9pm, a 14 year-old boy was struck in the face with a bottle at Bridge Street. Another 14-year-old youth was later arrested on suspicion of involvement and released pending further enquiries.
Following this at about 11.45pm, two women called at the police station to report they had been assaulted outside a local hotel a short time before.
In the early hours of Sunday police made two arrests following a report that two youths had been assaulted at Derry Road. Later on Sunday morning, a man was assaulted at Backglen Road, Tirquin.
A police spokesperson commented this was a busy 12 hour period for police, with increased assaults compared to a typical Saturday night. The spokesperson also confirmed there was an indication that these incidents were alcohol related and that there was also a number of incidents of criminal damage but nothing excessive.
Omagh Town Cllr Paddy McGowan has condemned such behaviour that he hopes won't "undo the fantastic work done by the council in hosting such a wonderful parade in Omagh".
"It was one of the greatest days in Omagh, with people coming in from everywhere, and I think the show put on was fantastic, and all those involved must be congratulated. But sadly it has been marred by a few thugs at the end of the day," said Cllr McGowan.
"Boys with a few drinks in them thought they were lords of the ring and could assault anyone that got in their way.
"It is sad that actions like this are now associated with St Patrick's Day, but lets hope those victims will be able to identify those responsible and be able to go to the police and have those boys up the courthouse steps.
"The people who are involved in these types of assaults would be involved anyway, it is a growing ant-social culture and it is sad that they drag in innocent citizens. It has to be condemned, our St Patrick's Day celebrations can do without those people."
Witnesses to any of the incidents are asked to contact police in Omagh. The number to call with any information is 0845 600 8000, or Crimestoppers on the confidential freephone number 0800 555 111.
