THREE MALE members of staff at a bar in Strabane, Co Tyrone, and a customer were treated in hospital for slash wounds they sustained when they were attacked outside the premises late on St Patrick’s night.
It is believed a group from England were involved in the incident after they were refused entry to Joe’s Bar in the town’s Abercorn Square. Among those injured were the licensee, Joe Breslin.
One of his bar staff was seriously injured in the attack, and received 200 stitches to a slash wound to his stomach and back. Another bar staff member was also slashed, as was a customer who tried to intervene.
Police investigating the incident believe that the crowd of between 20 and 30 people involved fled across the Border into Donegal.
“This was extremely serious and we could easily have been dealing with deaths,” said Chief Insp Andy Lemon.
“Our investigations lead us to believe that this group of people, who are not local, were refused entry to the bar because the premises were full.
“As they tried to force their way in the assaults took place immediately outside the premises and the four victims were wounded, one of them seriously.”
He said: “The licensee received slash wounds to the hands, two members of his staff were also injured as was another man who came out of the bar to help them.
“Two of those injured are brothers and both are in intensive care in Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, alongside one of the other victims.
“We are appealing for information about this dreadful incident and would welcome the assistance from the public in helping us to apprehend those responsible.
“This incident took place after a successful and peaceful St Patrick’s Day parade in the town,” he added.
The father of the two brothers injured in the incident said his sons were lucky to be alive. The man, who did not wish to be named, said his sons were now living in fear.
“My boys have stomach injuries, groin injuries and injuries to the side of the waist and chest. The persons who cut them used Stanley knives. They are lucky to be alive but they have received the best of medical care in hospital.
“These people must be caught for the safety of innocent members of the public.”