Prinicipal reassures parents after terrifying incident in park

A 52-YEAR-OLD man has been charged to court after allegedly assaulting two schoolchildren in Dungannon.

A PSNI spokesperson said on Thursday: “Police in Dungannon received a report of assault at Dungannon Park. It was reported shortly after 11am that a man had assaulted two schoolchildren by pushing them.

“Officers attended and arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of two counts of common assault.”

The police later issued a statement stating that the man would be charged to Dungannon Magistrates Court on May 7 for the alleged offences.

It is understood that the pupils involved attend Howard Primary School in Moygashel.

Phyllis McWilliams, the school’s principal, said: “The safety of our pupils is our top priority.

“While I cannot comment on an ongoing police investigation, I wish to reassure parents that we have robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place.

“The school is continuing to receive support from both the Education Authority and PSNI in relation to this incident.”

An eyewitness told the Tyrone Herald that the children were on an outing in the park when a man ‘aggressively charged’ at the group, knocking two pupils over. They added that a ‘swift and courageous’ teacher intervened and shielded the children before police arrived.

In the wake of the incident, local UUP spokesperson, Ian Irwin, has called for an increased police presence in the town to help the public feel safe.