Victim attacked at his flat had only just left hospital
A 60-YEAR-OLD man badly beaten in his Londonderry flat had only been discharged from hospital at the weekend, it has emerged.
A friend of the victim found him lying in his flat in Sperrin Park in the city yesterday morning and contacted emergency services.
The man was rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital where his condition last night was described by a spokesman from the Western Health & Social Care Trust as “stable”.
A 42-year-old man was subsequently arrested and remained in custody last night.
DUP Waterside councillor Drew Thompson, who knows the victim, said the community is stunned.
“He had been living in the area for about 20 years and would be well known. He would have kept himself to himself, but he was well-liked and people would have helped him out if he needed it.
“I have been speaking to his family and apparently a friend called round and found him.
“It looks like he is in a bad way. His family are obviously very concerned about him, as are the people who live in the estate.
“The estate is fairly quiet and things like this don’t usually happen, so it has upset everyone very much.
“He only got out of hospital the other day. He would come to the community centre and we only realised he was in hospital during the week when we called around to see him and he wasn’t there.
“We are obviously hoping that he makes a full recovery and that the person responsible faces the full rigours of the law.”
The PSNI said they arrested a 42-year-old man after a serious assault. Detective Sergeant Brian Reid said yesterday: “The suspect was detained after a 60-year-old man was found badly injured inside a property in Sperrin Park at around 8am this morning.
“The victim has since been taken to hospital where he is understood to be in a very serious condition this afternoon.
“We would like to hear from anyone with information regarding this crime or anyone who can assist the investigation in any way.
“Detectives can be contacted at Strand Road police station. Please quote reference 484 02/04/17.”
Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent after an assault in north Belfast. It happened in Waterworks Park at around 5pm on Saturday.
The man is expected before Belfast Magistrates Court today.
The victim was punched in the face and suffered a broken jaw.