Police patrols in Derry to persist until public reassurance is achieved

Police have stated that a policing operation, initiated to safeguard women in Londonderry following two reported weekend assaults, will persist “as long as it has to.” On Friday night, an assault involving a knife occurred against a woman in Drumahoe. The following day, Saturday afternoon, another woman was approached by a man wielding a kitchen knife while walking her dog in Top of the Hill. Authorities are currently investigating if the same individual is connected to both occurrences. PSNI Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney announced that “increased, high visibility” patrols would be maintained “to make sure people feel reassured and supported across the district.” Chief Superintendent Kearney further stated that this augmented police presence would remain “as long as it has to, to make sure people feel reassured and supported across the district.” During an interview on BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme, Chief Superintendent Kearney, who holds the position of the city’s most senior police officer, acknowledged that the recent attacks are expected to generate significant community concern. Chief Superintendent Kearney affirmed, “I want to reassure people that we have a focused patrolling plan, including high visibility, increased police presence in keys areas, such as our local parks and the city centre, and that will continue over the coming days.” The two parks where these incidents occurred are situated within the city’s Waterside area, separated by approximately 2.5 miles. Speaking at a press conference held in the city on Monday afternoon, Chief Superintendent Kearney reported that the investigation is “progressing at pace” and that police are “following a number of lines of enquiry.” She advised, “If you notice someone acting suspiciously or if someone’s behaviour causes concern do not approach, but contact police immediately.” Nicki Sheller-Cullen, who regularly walks her dogs in both parks affected by the attacks, shared her experience. She recounted her initial hesitation about walking in Top of the Hill on Monday. She told BBC News NI, “After I heard about the attacks, I have to say I was very frightened to come up here on my own. But at the same time I like coming up here, I like walking my dogs up here and I can’t live my life in fear. I thought, I am still going to go on my walk, but I will just be on my guard. I couldn’t really relax… without a doubt it is very scary.” Previously, Chief Superintendent Kearney informed BBC Radio Foyle that no connection exists between the two weekend assaults and earlier attacks reported in the city at the close of the previous month. Chief Superintendent Kearney stated, “We have across Derry city and Strabane experienced a reduction in violence against women and girls incidents. But what is of particular concern is how unusual these two incidents reported at the weekend are.” Chief Superintendent Kearney mentioned that police had conducted an operation during Halloween, focused on identifying “people displaying concerning or predatory behaviour.” She described that operation as “very successful.” A rally to emphasize women’s safety is scheduled for Friday in Derry. Justice Minister Naomi Long expressed that she was “shocked and saddened” upon learning of the weekend’s attacks. In response to an urgent oral question posed in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Minister Long conveyed her “deeply concerned at the increase of incidents of violence against women over recent times.” Claire Sugden, MLA for East Londonderry, reiterated her endorsement of the strategy to end violence against women and girls, but noted that the incidents in the North West were “immediate and concerning.” Sugden inquired of the minister regarding her actions and collaboration with police to guarantee community safety. The minister responded that it would be “inappropriate” for her to directly intervene with the PSNI concerning their policing of any specific crime, particularly given that these are active investigations. Long emphasized that Assembly members could show their commitment to protecting women and girls from such violence and “work with the PSNI and the rest of the executive around budgets to ensure that there is a police presence, to ensure reassurance on the ground that is required after these attacks.” SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin urged for the acceleration of the Executive’s framework aimed at ending violence against women and girls. She informed MLAs, “We need comprehensive, well-funded support systems that ensure shelters, hotlines, counselling and legal services are accessible to every single survivor.” McLaughlin added, “This is a moment that calls for a strengthened response and an unwavering commitment to change. We must take a clear stand – violence against women and girls is unacceptable.” Concurrently, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Foyle MLA Gary Middleton characterized the weekend attacks as “terrifying [and] grotesque.” He stated to the Assembly, “The perpetrator or the perpetrators remain at large and must be brought to justice immediately. Someone, somewhere must have information.” Police have issued an appeal for any individuals possessing information regarding the weekend attacks to present it. This content is copyrighted by BBC in 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC does not assume responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their external linking policy can be accessed.