Policing Board vice-chairman spends second night in hospital

The vice-chairman of the Policing Board has spent a second night in hospital after being attacked in a pub on Tuesday.

Denis Bradley was watching football on TV with his son when a hooded man entered the premises on the Leckey Road in Londonderry, and beat him about the head with a baseball bat.

Mr Bradley, a former priest, was immediately taken to Altnagelvin Hospital were he was treated for head injuries, however they are not thought to be serious.

Commenting on the attack, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Professor Sir Desmond Rea, said: "I am shocked and appalled at news of this vicious attack on Denis and my thoughts are first and foremost with him and his family. I am sure that I speak on behalf of every member of the Board and its staff in roundly condemning this totally unwarranted attack."

Sinn Fein Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness said the attack on Mr Bradley "was wrong and must be condemned".

"The attack on Denis Bradley was wrong and unacceptable and must be condemned.

"The fact that he is the vice Chairperson of the Policing Board does not warrant an attack on either him or his family.

"I am glad to hear that his injuries are not life threatening and hope that he makes a full recovery," Mr McGuinness said after visiting him in hospital.

Police, meanwhile, have arrested one man after disturbances following the attack. Bottle, stones and other missiles were thrown at officers as they arrived at the scene of the incident.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact officers at Strand Road on 028 7136 7337 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB/SP)