Portrush: Gang attack teenage boys on East Strand beach

Police have described an assault on four teenage boys by a group of between 30 to 50 young people as an "unprovoked and vicious attack".

The attack happened on the East Strand beach in Portrush at about 19:30 BST on Saturday night.

Police said one of the victims was beaten with an object, possibly a hammer, while another was pushed into the sea.

The attackers attempted to hold the victim's head underwater.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) also said three of the boys were punched in the face, with one suffering a cut above his eye. Another of the friends was hit on the shoulder with a bottle.

PSNI Insp Stephen McCafferty said the teenagers were approached by the group "who suggested they fight".

"When they refused and turned away, they were set upon by members of the larger group."

Insp McCafferty appealed for information.

"We believe the incident took place about halfway along East Strand beach," he said.

"The perpetrators were said to be wearing dark tracksuits and they spoke with Belfast, Ballymena and Derry accents."

'Disturbed'

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald said she was "disturbed" to hear of the attack.

The East Londonderry representative said there was "absolutely no place for this type of anti-social and dangerous behaviour" and appealed for anyone with information to contact police.