Strabane older people afraid to socialise at night

MOUNTING fears of night-time violence are preventing older people from socialising in Strabane, a local publican has claimed.

Speaking in the wake of another assault in the town centre last weekend following which a man had to be taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries, Raymond Barr of Christy’s said “it’s only a matter of time” before someone is killed in an altercation. Mr Barr, who is also an independent councillor, revealed that the injured party had to be resuscitated following the attack at 11.30pm last Sunday night.

Back in January another man sustained severe injuries to his face, including his nose, after being assaulted by a male in Strabane.

Earlier this week Raymond Barr remarked, “It’s really gotten out of hand.

“There have been numerous assaults in the town since the turn of the year and I roundly condemn each and every one of them.

“I wasn’t in Strabane on Sunday evening but was made aware of the assault by a staff member who told me that the police were in asking to look at my CCTV in case anything of the assault had been captured.”

Mr Barr continued, “The next morning, the area was cordoned off and I spoke with PSNI… one officer did let slip to me that the young man in question had to be resuscitated.”

The local publican added that a lot of his regulars are no longer frequenting the bar for fear of trouble.

“I would meet a lot of my usual regulars in the street, a lot of whom would be older men and women, and when I would ask why they’re not in as often, I’m usually met with the response, ‘it’s getting too dangerous in the town’.

“It’s pure fear which is putting a lot of people off coming into the town. I have one man who would usually walk to the bar from Ballycolman but now he won’t come out unless his daughters can leave him down and collect him.

“It’s a sad state of affairs when the situation has deteriorated to the extent that a man or woman is unable to come into their own town for a night out in fear of trouble or assault.”

When contacted about Sunday’s assault, a spokesperson for the PSNI stated, “Police received a report shortly before 11.30pm on Sunday that a man had been located injured in the Lower Main Street area of Strabane.

“Police responded and located the injured male who was subsequently taken to hospital by Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

“As part of police enquiries, two men, both aged in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Both men have been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.”

Police are also appealing to anyone who was in the area with information which may assist their enquiries to call 101, quoting reference 1863 of 21/04/24, or report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org