Northern Ireland

Teenager facing GBH charge over Derry city centre assault

Danny Payne is in an induced coma at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital
Danny Payne is in an induced coma at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital Danny Payne is in an induced coma at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital

A teenager has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent after a father-of-three suffered serious injuries in Derry city centre.

Danny Payne remains in an induced coma at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital following the incident in Newmarket Street early on Sunday.

A police spokesman said a 19-year-old man is expected to appear at Derry Magistrate’s Court on November 15.

He added: “An 18-year-old woman also arrested in connection with the same incident was released pending a report to the PPS.”

Foyle MP Elisha McCallion has said she is organising a multi-agency meeting to discuss safety issues in Derry city centre.

The Sinn Féin representative said the meeting is expected to take place next week.

“We want people to be able to enjoy all that the city has to offer in a safe manner and that can be achieved through creative thinking and partnership working,” she said.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old has been questioned after a young woman was treated for head and facial injuries following what police described as a “disturbance” in the Carnhill area of Derry early on Saturday.

A PSNI spokesman said the teenager was held on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, theft, causing criminal damage, making threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon.