Police have charged a man in connection with a violent assault on a teenage boy in Ahoghill on the night of Saturday, 31st January.

The incident occurred at approximately 8.50pm in a car park within The Diamond area. It is reported that a masked man attacked the teenager using a blunt object, which investigators believe was a crowbar. The victim sustained facial injuries that required hospital treatment and was said to be left "shocked and terrified" by the ordeal.

Following an arrest on Sunday afternoon, 1st February, the 40-year-old suspect has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon with intent. Sergeant Edens previously commented on the investigation: "We received a report at approximately 8.50pm on Saturday, 31st January that a teenage boy had been assaulted in a carpark within The Diamond area. It's understood the suspect, an unknown man who was wearing a mask, assaulted the teenager with a blunt object, believed at this time to be a crowbar, across his face."

The Sergeant added: "He sustained facial injuries as a result of the attack – and required hospital treatment. He was also left shocked and terrified by what happened."

The accused is scheduled to appear before Coleraine Magistrates' Court today, Monday, 2nd February. In line with standard legal procedure, the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Police are still keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the assault or has information that could assist the ongoing investigation. Information can be provided by calling 101, quoting reference 1397 31/01/26, or submitted online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.