Man assaulted breaking up fight in Derry

The assault followed a report of a disturbance in Sackville Street on Wednesday evening

Two people have been arrested following a fight in Londonderry city centre in which a bystander and police officer were assaulted.

Police received a report at around 20.00 BST on Wednesday of a disturbance involving five to six people on the city's Sackville Street.

A man who intervened to try to break up the fight was assaulted.

His car, in which his children were waiting for him, was also set upon and damaged.

He eventually managed to drive away, a spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said.

When police responded, an officer was also punched in the face.

A 25-year-old woman was later arrested on suspicion of common assault, disorderly behaviour and criminal damage.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill, assault on police and resisting police.

They both remain in custody.

'Extremely distressing'

Describing the incident as "despicable" and "disgraceful”, Supt Willy Calderwood praised the man who intervened.

“What's even more distressing is the victim had his children with him," he said.

"It must have terrifying and, understandably, this has been extremely distressing.”

He added: “This man stopped to help, and his actions are reflective of the overwhelming goodwill that exists in this city.”