First photo of woman attacked with drill in street in 'homophobic attack'
THIS is the woman in a critical condition after being pinned down and drilled in the head in an suspected homophobic attack in Northern Ireland.
Brenda McLaughlin, 38, was attacked with a drill in Strabane, Northern Ireland on Saturday
Police arrested a 17-year-old boy over the “monstrous” assault on 38-year-old mum Brenda McLaughlin, in Strabane, Country Tyrone, according to reports.
The attack may have had a homophobic motive, say officers.
But locals who knew Ms McLaughlin are reported to have claimed homophobia was an unlikely motive for attacking the woman who was "quiet and well liked".
She was assaulted shortly after heading home from Ruby's nightclub.
Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the 'monstrous' assault
It is a monstrous attack and one that has sent shockwaves across the entirety of the wider Strabane community today
Ms McLaughlin’s wounds were so severe that police reportedly immediately called her family to the hospital.
SDLP assembly member for West Tyrone, Daniel McCrossan, said it was "one of the most horrific incidents" he had learned of during his time as a politician.
He added: “It is a monstrous attack and one that has sent shockwaves across the entirety of the wider Strabane community today.
“I actually felt sick, that this could happen."
Police believe the incident could be a homophobic attack
Detective Sergeant Brian Reid said: "This was a brutal attack and the injuries sustained by the victim are extremely grave.
"We are exploring a possible homophobic motive for the crime and we are appealing for witnesses to get in touch with us.
"We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a male carrying a drill in the area at around the time of the assault and we would especially like to speak to anyone who may have captured footage, either on a mobile phone or a dashcam.
"Anyone with such footage or any other information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police in Strabane on 101, quoting reference number 153 05/05/18.
"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."