The mum of a child who was taken to hospital after a brawl in a Co Antrim train station has hit out at those involved.
Her son, who is 14, was a passenger on the train in Ballymoney on Saturday, and not involved in what had unfolded. What was an innocent train journey for the young man, turned into a nightmare for him and his family.
Footage of the violent incident has been widely shared, and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Read more: Three cautioned after Co Antrim train station fight involving up to 20 people
At around 9.45pm on Saturday, a group of up to 20 people had been reported to be fighting on a train within the Seymour Street train station.
A glass bottle was thrown during the disturbance, which had spilled out onto the platform, and a 14-year-old boy sustained an injury which required hospital treatment. He had to be sedated for treatment, his mum told Belfast Live.
The young victim's mum said: "My 14-year-old son was on that train and when the doors opened, a bottle was thrown in and it smashed and hit him in the face.
"He now has eight stitches, which he had to be sedated for. He is scarred for life because of the scum responsible. It’s frustrating as some reports say about a 14-year-old boy being injured in the fighting. He wasn’t fighting! He was on the train and is innocent and scarred for life and traumatised.
"This incident has made me realise that nowhere is safe for my son to innocently go out for the day. And those responsible need to be held accountable for scarring an innocent teenager for life, both physically and mentally."
PSNI Sergeant Jamie Halligan said: "Officers attended to bring the disturbance under control and cautioned three people in connection with the incident.
"We are aware of the concern surrounding this incident and the footage circulating on social media. Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal for the public’s assistance.
"Anyone who was in the area of Ballymoney Train Station at the time and who witnessed this incident or who has any information which could assist us with our enquiries is asked to call us on 101 quoting reference number 2071 03/06/23.
"A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/."
A Translink spokesperson confirmed that an incident occurred around 9.30pm on Saturday June 3 at Ballymoney Train Station.
“The safety of our passengers & staff is our top priority and we strongly condemn this serious incident," a spokesperson said.
“Emergency services were called to the scene and we are assisting the PSNI with their investigation including provision of on-train and station CCTV.
“We would appeal to anyone with further information to contact the PSNI and we operate a reward scheme of up to £1000 for anyone who provides evidence which leads to a successful conviction.”
In a statement posted on Facebook, Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Darryl Wilson said: "I am beyond horrified at the footage I have just seen recorded at Ballymoney Train Station earlier.
"I will be liaising with the PSNI to see what action will be taken. This has gone on far too long and happened too many times now.
"After seeing this gruesome assault. I could easily be commenting on a fatality this evening. Those responsible must be brought to justice and feel the full force of the law."
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