Janice R. Andrews
In Londonderry, Northern Ireland, a woman in her 40s successfully defended herself against an armed attacker using her dog’s lead during a Saturday afternoon walk in Top of the Hill Park. When confronted by a man wielding a kitchen knife who attempted to grab her, the woman called for help and used her dog lead as a defensive weapon, successfully forcing the attacker to flee toward Corrody Road.
The incident follows a similar attack in Drumahoe the previous evening, where another woman successfully fought off an assailant in what police have classified as a sexually motivated attack. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is currently investigating potential connections between these two assaults.
Detective Inspector Ross Olphert announced increased police patrols across the city, particularly in parks and busy areas, in response to these concerning incidents. “We understand the community’s concern with two back-to-back knifepoint attacks on women in public spaces,” stated Olphert, noting that enhanced police visibility aims to boost public safety and confidence.
Police describe the suspect as a white male in his 20s, approximately 5’11” with a slim build, wearing all-black clothing and a hooded top drawn tightly around his face. Despite immediate searches of the area, the suspect remains at large.
The PSNI is actively seeking information from the public regarding these incidents. Officials have confirmed that while these two attacks may be linked, they are separate from other recent assaults reported in the city center.
