Visually impaired man attacked in Derry

A visually impaired man was attacked and robbed as he walked his guide dog in Derry, police revealed today.

The victim was assaulted by a gang of youths at Gogarty Close who forced him to hand over his wallet containing cash.

The man suffered a cut to his head as a result of the attack, which was described as “sick” by SDLP Foyle Assemblywoman Annie Courtney.

Mrs Courtney, who lost the sight in one eye during a freak accident earlier this year, said she was well aware of the difficulties facing those with visual problems.

She said: “It’s horrific that somebody deliberately set out to attack someone who could not make their way without the help of a guide dog.

“Unfortunately it’s not the first time both the visually impaired and people with other disabilities have been targeted in Derry.”

As police urged anyone who witnessed the attack to contact detectives at Strand Road, Mrs Courtney claimed a deep malaise was now afflicting society.

“I’m beginning to wonder if all our equality issues even matter,” she added.

“They are all fine words, but the reality on the ground makes me wonder if people take these things seriously.”