Serious Assault in Derry / Londonderry Leaves 17-Year-Old with Potentially Life-Threatening Injuries

A 17-year-old boy is in hospital with potentially life-threatening head injuries after a serious assault in Derry / Londonderry city centre in the early hours of Sunday morning. Police are appealing for witnesses and CCTV footage.

Detectives are appealing for information following a serious assault in Derry / Londonderry that has left a 17-year-old male with potentially life-threatening injuries.

The incident happened in the Butcher Street area of the city centre shortly after 2.25am on Sunday, 18 January 2026.

CCTV Captures City Centre Altercation

Detective Inspector Connolly said city centre CCTV operators observed an altercation between two males in the area during the early hours of the morning.

Police attended the scene immediately and found a 17-year-old male unconscious on the ground. The second individual involved had already left the area before officers arrived.

The injured teenager remains in hospital, where he is being treated for a serious head injury that is described as potentially life-threatening.

Police Appeal for Witnesses

Detective Inspector Connolly described the incident as shocking and urged anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward.

Police believe a number of people were present in the vicinity and may have seen what happened or have information that could assist the investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has relevant mobile phone or dashcam footage, is asked to contact Police Service of Northern Ireland.

• Reference number: 174 18/01/26
• Non-emergency reporting
• Anonymous reporting: Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online [Insert Link]

Ongoing Investigation

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault and are keen to speak to anyone who was in the Butcher Street area around the time of the incident.

Police have reiterated that even small details could prove vital in establishing what happened.