Policewoman injured at fatal stabbing scene

A policewoman attending the scene of a fatal stabbing in Derry was injured when her patrol was attacked by a mob, it emerged today.

Police launched a murder investigation after 23-year-old James Joseph McGinley died from a single stab wound to the chest in the Little James Street area of the city early this morning.

A man in his 40s is in custody helping police with their inquiries into the incident, which took place shortly after 3am.

The injured officer was attempting to give first aid to Mr McGinley when she was hit by a bottle.

She was taken to hospital where she received several stitches in a head injury.

Police officers carrying out a follow up operation were also attacked by stone throwers.

Detective inspector Robbie Paul said Mr McGinley died following a fracas at the junction of Little James Street and Sackville Street in the centre of the city.

“We believe a number of men were involved in the incident and as a result James received a fatal stab wound to the chest.

“We believe it was one single stab wound,” he added.

Meanwhile, a man is being treated in hospital after he was stabbed in Ballymena, County Antrim.

He was found walking in Henry Street, Ballymena, by a passing police patrol.

Police believe he was stabbed at a house at Patrick Place in the Harryville area of the town at around 2.30am.

Another man, thought to be in his 20s, was later found lying unconscious in Patrick Place and taken to hospital with neck injuries.

Police say the two attacks may be linked and have appealed for information.