Paramedic attack 'terrifying', MP

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Foyle MP Mark Durkan has called an attack on a paramedic in Londonderry "terrifying and unprovoked".

The paramedic was attacked as he treated a woman at the scene of a road accident at the junction of Strand Road and Rock Road in the city on Saturday.

He was was punched, kicked and dragged across the road by a group of people.

"Stringent sentences are the only option for people who are convicted of this type of vicious and cowardly attack," said Mr Durkan.

John McPoland from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service praised his actions.

"Some bystanders, who we believe were intoxicated, kicked and punched and dragged him," he said.

"At that point I think most people would think, 'that's it, I've had enough,' but to his credit he realised the patient needed his help.

"So he stayed at the scene and treated her as well as he could."