Police in Derry are treating an assault on a 16-year-old Protestant boy as a sectarian-motivated hate crime. The attack took place around 2:35am on Sunday, February 22, in the Shipquay Place area of the city centre.

The victim sustained a broken nose and other serious facial injuries. He received hospital treatment after the incident involving about 20 youths.

DUP councillor Alderman McMorris was approached by the boy's mother. She reported that the attack targeted her son due to his Protestant background. McMorris has urged witnesses to contact police and noted that officers plan to check CCTV footage from the scene.

Several people were in the area at the time of the assault. Police continue to investigate the full circumstances.

Sectarian tensions have persisted in Northern Ireland since the Troubles, with hate crimes remaining a concern in urban areas like Derry.

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote reference 1068 of 22/02/25. Anonymous reports can go to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online via the PSNI website.