A TEENAGER was attacked and beaten by a gang as he made his way home from a night out in Co Tyrone.
The 18-year-old was walking along Hospital Road in Omagh when a number of men jumped out of a car and assaulted him during the early hours of Saturday.
He was near the tennis courts when he was attacked him with some kind of club or bat at around 3am. It is believed the gang got out of a black coloured car.
The victim suffered injuries to his head and body during the assault. He was taken to hospital where he is in a stable condition.
Police said another 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, but was later freed unconditionally.
PSNI Detective Inspector Brian Foster appealed for anyone who was in the area and witnessed the assault or a black coloured car to contact police.
The attack was condemned by Ulster Unionist Ross Hussey.
"This was a horrific and cowardly attack. It was pure thuggery at its lowest level and now a young man and his family are going through hell because of it.
"It is disgusting and nothing can justify it. If these thugs strike again they could kill someone."
Detective Inspector Brian Foster is appealing for anyone who was in the Hospital Road area of Omagh and who witnessed the assault or a black coloured car or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact detectives in Omagh Police Station on 101 quoting reference number 205 of 30/07/16.
Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
