Newry: Man suffers burns in suspected acid attack

The man was attacked by a number of people at a property at Chancellors Hall in Newry

A man has suffered burns after acid was reportedly thrown over him during an attack in Newry city, police have said.

He was assaulted by a number of people at Chancellors Hall, a housing development on the Chancellor's Road, shortly before 02:50 BST.

The man was treated in hospital for injuries which included burns and a suspected broken arm.

A Volkswagen car, which police believe was linked to the attack, was later found burnt out on Fort Hill Road.

'Extremely sinister'

Newry and Armagh assembly member Justin McNulty said that "reports of an acid attack being carried out in our city are extremely sinister and very concerning".

"Attacks of any kind should be highly condemned, but pouring acid onto somebody requires planning and shows real malice," said the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) representative.

He said his thoughts were with the victim "after what must have been an extremely frightening ordeal".

A car thought to be linked to the attack was found burnt out at Fort Hill Road

Sinn Féin councillor Roisin Mulgrew said the incident had "horrified" local residents.

"Whilst details are still emerging about this incident, what is known has shocked the community," she said.

"This type of attack can kill or permanently disfigure a person, and anyone carrying out such an act needs to be apprehended and removed from our streets."

Police said their inquiries into the assault were continuing, and they appealed to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed any suspicious activity to contact them.