Two separate “paramilitary-style assaults” reported in Derry on Thursday night

The incidents are not thought to be connected.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is investigating two separate "paramilitary-style assaults" that took place in Derry on Thursday night. One of the incidents occurred on the Iniscarn Road, between 11pm and 00.30am. Two teenagers were taken to hospital as a result. Detective Inspector Michael Winters said: "At around 11pm, it was reported that a 17 year old male was taken to hospital following an assault in a field in the area by a group of masked males. "The man was treated in hospital for injuries to his legs which are not believed to be life threatening. It is believed that a crowbar was used during the incident.

 "Shortly before 00:20am, it was reported that a 16 year old male received injuries to his legs believed to have occurred at the earlier incident at Iniscarn Road. The male was treated at hospital for injuries not believed to be life threatening."

This attack is not thought to be connected to a second incident in Derry last night, which has also been described by the PSNI as a "paramilitary-style assault." The second incident took place in the Clon Dara area of the city. On this, DI Winters said: "A man in his 40’s received injuries to his body during the incident. A man in his 30s received injuries to his face and body and a man in his 20s received injuries to his legs and body following the assault. All three men were taken to hospital for their injuries which are not believed to be life threatening. "Attacks of this nature are reckless and involve a high and sustained level of violence. Many of those carrying out these attacks are steeped in the very criminality they claim they are trying to stop." The PSNI has confirmed that they are not investigating a link between the two incidents.