Detectives investigating the report of an assault in Kilkeel last night (Sunday 14 July) are appealing for witnesses.
Detective Sergeant James Johnston said: “We received a report at 11:25pm that a male, aged in his forties, had been assaulted on the Greencastle Road, close to its junction with Manse Road.
“The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of head and facial injuries. He remains in hospital this afternoon.
“A 34-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including grievous bodily harm with intent, and he remains in custody this afternoon assisting us with our enquiries.
“I want to appeal to anyone who was in the area prior to, or around the time the report was made to us, to get in touch with detectives at Ardmore on 101, quoting reference 2103 14/07/19.”
Alternatively information can also be provided by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has called on the PSNI to ensure those responsible for a brutal sectarian attack on a Catholic man in Kilkeel are brought to justice as swiftly as possible.
The South Down MP was speaking after Paschal Morgan was ‘left for dead’ after being beaten on Sunday night.
He commented: “The attack on Paschal Morgan has shocked the local community where the Morgan family is very well-known and well-liked.
“He was brutally beaten in a sectarian attack which left him for dead and requiring extensive surgery. Our thoughts today are obviously with Paschal and his family and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.
“This was a savage attack and those responsible need to be taken off the streets. I have been in contact with the PSNI and urged them to ensure that is the case.
“I would also urge political leaders to do more to face down the scourge of sectarianism in our society. It is when leaders fail to confront and condemn sectarianism, that attacks like this occur.”
Also, SDLP South Down MLA Sinead Bradley has condemned those responsible for a barbaric sectarian attack on local man Paschal Morgan on Sunday night. She said: “It takes a sick and depraved individual to inflict the kind of violence that Paschal Morgan suffered on Sunday evening. The images in the aftermath of the attack are horrifying and really show just the evil nature of this barbaric assault.
“It appears that this man was targeted for no other reason than because he is a Catholic. This kind of vicious and sickening sectarianism has no support in our community and those responsible for it need to be flushed out. I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward as a matter of urgency.
“My thoughts are with Paschal, his wife and children at this very difficult time. I wish him a full and speedy recovery and hope we can deliver justice for him and his family.”
Update: A 34-year-old man arrested by detectives investigating the assault of a male in Kilkeel on Sunday night (July 14th), has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Down News understands the injured man suffered severe head and facial injuries with a bruised brain, broken cheekbones, and a possible broken jaw.
