BLOWN OUT OF PROPORTION… The Twelfth attack resulted in a bloody nose according to Inspector Robinson
Police have revealed that last Friday’s Twelfth of July assault ‘looked worse than it was’ and no complaint was made by the injured party
The Twelfth of July in Ballinamallard was marred by one incident of violence which saw three males arrested.
At around 3.50pm police received a report that a 21 year man had been assaulted to the rear of licenced premises in the Main Street area.
He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment for his injuries, which were not life threatening. He has since been released from hospital.
Three males, two aged 18 and one aged 16 were arrested and were later released on bail pending further enquries.
PSNI Inspector Roy Robinson explained that the assault was not as serious as some may have feared at the time.
“It looked worse than it was, it was a punch up which resulted in a bloody nose and no more than common assault. At this stage the injured party hasn’t made a complaint.” The inspector also revealed that it may have been the injured party who initiated the scuffle.
Mr Robinson said that despite this one minor incident the people of Fermanagh have a lot to be proud of.
“The day was very peaceful and it sets an example for the rest of Northern Ireland. The country areas show how the day should be celebrated. They celebrate their culture without making everyone suffer and pay for it.”
Local MLA Tom Elliott, who was on parade in Ballinamallard on the twelfth acknowledged that the incident was particularly unsavoury.
“Nobody likes these types of incidents at all, whether it is a twelfth or otherwise.
When asked if alcohol could have had played a role in the incident Tom did not rule out its possible influence.
“It could have alright, it certainly didn’t seem to be anything sectarian about it, it just seems to have been one of those disputes between young people. It doesn’t have to be the twelfth for that to happen though, you only have to drive up Enniskillen Main Street on a Saturday night.
“Thankfully the guy is OK now though and those responsible will be dealt with in the appropriate way. It was an isolated incident which marred an otherwise peaceful day.”
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