Londonderry: Shop assistant taken to hospital after assault

The woman was taken to hospital for her injuries after confronting four males at a shop in the Church Meadow area of Derry

A female shop assistant has been taken to hospital after being punched in the face in Londonderry.

The police received a report of theft and an assault at a shop in the Church Meadow area of the city on Thursday.

Four males arrived at the premises shortly after 21:00 BST and caused a disturbance in the store and stole a number of items, the police said.

One of the males was confronted by the female staff member as he left the shop and was subsequently punched.

PSNI Sgt Morrow said: "This was a despicable attack and the staff member was left incredibly shaken by what was obviously a terrifying experience for her," he added.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to come forward to the police.

'Shocking incident'

"A group of four men came into the shop together and then they immediately separated with shopping baskets and grabbed a lot of items," store manager Ryan told BBC Radio Foyle.

"When they left the shop they were approached by staff and became very abusive.

"One of the females then asked them to return the goods to which she was then punched in the side of the head by one of the males."

DUP assembly member Gary Middleton said this was a "shocking incident" and said he has been in contact with the police.

The MLA said the staff members showed exemplary bravery in trying to protect the shop and other customers in the store.

He said that there is CCTV of those responsible and hopes they will brought to justice as soon as possible.