Outrage as man with learning difficulties assaulted and has alcohol poured over him

Q Radio News

There's been outrage in Ballymena over the weekend after a vicious attack on a man in his 20s with severe learning difficulties.

He was pushed to the ground by two youths who kicked him while he was down and then poured alcohol over him. 

The young victim sustained injuries to his back and wrist. 

Police say the attack happened on Friday night outside a community centre in the Galgorm area of the town. 

Former councillor Declan O'Loan has been speaking out as a disgusted member of the local community...

PSNI statement in full: 

Police in Ballymena are investigating the report of an assault at a community centre at Raphael Way in the Gracehill/Galgorm area of Ballymena on Friday 13th March.

It was reported that at around 7.30pm the injured party, a male aged in his 20’s with severe learning difficulties, was outside the centre when two male youths pushed him to the ground and began kicking him. The youths then poured alcohol over him as he lay on the ground before making off. The male sustained injuries to his back and wrist as a result of the assault.

Inspector Ash said: “This was a shocking attack on a totally defenceless person and I would strongly urge anyone with any information about the incident to contact officers in Ballymena on 101 quoting reference number 1950 13/03/20. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”