Two more teenagers have been charged after a group attack on a teenage girl near one of Northern Ireland’s favourite attractions of which footage was posted on the internet.
A 16-year-old girl and 18-year-old woman have both been charged with causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
A 17-year-old boy was last night charged with offences including causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
All three suspects are due to appear before Downpatrick Magistrates' Court on Monday morning.
The 16-year-old victim was left with serious facial injuries after she was set upon by two other teenage girls and a young man.
A video posted on social media showed the young woman being repeatedly punched, kicked and beaten by two females on Eisenhower Pier at Bangor marina in Co Down on Friday evening.
Her attackers take turns to beat her. They pull her by the hair, smash her face on the concrete and kick her head.
Young men, including one who is videoing the attack, hurled abuse at the girl and encouraged the attackers to hit her more.
The marina and nearby Pickie Funpark attract thousands of visitors on sunny days. During the footage, the young girl can be heard pleading for her attackers to stop, crying: “I’m sorry. I’m sorry... I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.”
A picture posted on social media showed the victim with one closed eye, broken teeth, cuts and swelling to her nose and face.
Police said her injuries were so severe that an X-ray could not be taken at hospital.
Chief Inspector Gerry McGrath also asked people not to name alleged perpetrators on social media. “While we appreciate the support of the local community and understand their shock at this assault, we would ask that members of the public do not use social media as a means of progressing this investigation,” he said.
A comment was also posted on Facebook by a woman claiming to be the mother of one of the males involved.
“I am disgusted at what has happened to this young girl,” she wrote.
“I can only apologise for his behaviour and I hope the wee girl is OK.”
Brutal attack on teenage girl in Co Down branded as 'vicious' by police
