Detectives investigating a violent assault that occurred in L'Derry last summer have now made a total of three arrests.

The latest development follows a planned search and arrest operation conducted in the city today, Thursday 15 January.

The investigation stems from an incident on Friday 29 August. At approximately midnight, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service reported that a man in his 30s had suffered significant injuries in the Waterloo Street area. Witnesses at the scene alleged that the victim was attacked by a group of masked individuals dressed in dark clothing. The man was subsequently hospitalised with severe injuries to his back and face.

Details of Arrests Following the initial stages of the inquiry, two men, aged 34 and 45, were arrested on 5 November last year on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Both individuals were later released on bail pending further enquiries. The third individual, a 44-year-old man, was arrested today on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He is currently being held in police custody.

Paramilitary Links The PSNI has confirmed that today's operation is linked to INLA criminality. The search and arrest phase was a coordinated effort involving local officers from Derry City & Strabane, the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF), and the Maydown Tactical Support Group. Several items were seized during the proceedings.

Superintendent Sinead McIldowney commented on the ongoing efforts to combat crime: "We will continue to work relentlessly to tackle all types of criminality in an ongoing effort to rid our communities of the harm those involved are causing. We would like to thank the local community for their continued support and will continue to act on the information you provide us. I would encourage anyone with information regarding criminal activity to contact police on 101."

The police investigation remains ongoing.