In Londonderry, a woman successfully deterred her attacker by using her dog lead against a man wielding a kitchen knife. This incident marks the second attack in the city over the weekend. Previously, on Friday, a woman was assaulted in a sexually motivated attack but managed to fend off her assailant with a torch in Drumahoe.
Police believe these two assaults may be linked.
The latest incident occurred shortly before 15:00 GMT on Saturday, as a woman in her 40s was walking her dog in Top of the Hill Park. The man approached her with a knife and attempted to grab her. Fortunately, she called for help and swung her dog lead, causing him to flee.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is investigating this attack and has conducted searches in the area; however, the suspect had already left. It is reported that he moved towards Corrody Road. The attacker is described as:
Detective Inspector Ross Olphert addressed community concerns regarding the recent attacks, stating:
“We understand that there will be concern in the community at a second knifepoint attack on a woman in just two days, with this latest one occurring during daylight hours. However, I can assure residents that a focused, tactical patrolling plan has been implemented.”
The PSNI is continuing its inquiries to determine if there’s any connection between these two attacks and previous incidents noted last week. Importantly, they clarified that there’s no link between the weekend attacks and earlier incidents in the city center.
Local MLA Sinéad McLaughlin expressed that these attacks are a “huge concern” for residents. She highlighted:
“Every woman lives with the fear that something like this could happen to them… We have to get to grips with it.”
McLaughlin’s comments reflect growing anxiety among community members regarding safety and the need for increased vigilance.
In related news, an investigation is underway into another serious sexually motivated assault in Drumahoe, where a 40-year-old man has been arrested following an incident on Wednesday.
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