An attack on a NI Housing Executive sub-contractor as he carried out work at a house in the Galliagh area of Londonderry has been condemned.

The workman, who works for Omega Maintenance, was securing a flat that had been burgled at Altcar Park when three men assaulted him in the early hours of Monday.

The attackers struck the man on the head with an iron bar, before stealing his white Ford Transit van.

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SDLP Foyle MLA Mary Bradley, who lives nearby, said: "This is an absolutely disgraceful and vicious attack on a man going about an honest evening's work.

"It is simply barbaric to beat someone across the head with a metal bar, leave them for dead and then steal their car.

"It is lucky that the victim was not killed in this incident. It must have been extremely traumatic for him and I wish him a full and speedy recovery."

She continued: "Those responsible for this attack have no respect for human life whatsoever and are a danger to our community. They must be apprehended and taken off our streets immediately.

"I therefore appeal to anyone with information about this attack to pass it onto the police as soon as possible."

(NS/BMcC)