A man was left hospitalised after being attacked at a bonfire in a Co Londonderry town at the weekend - and the police have been blamed for allowing the situation to develop.

The incident is related to trouble which broke out at an internment night bonfire site in the Heights area of Coleraine on Friday night during which police arrested four people.

The attack happened at Drumard Drive Crest in the Heights between 12.30am and 12.40am on Saturday.

Initial reports said the man had suffered a broken leg, but it later emerged he had a damaged knee-cap.

He also sustained a stab wound to one leg, while the other was badly bruised. Additionally, the victim suffered a lot of bruising around the face and eyes.

Another man was being treated for a serious head injury in hospital yesterday, but was hoping to be discharged late last night.

The victim with the worst injuries was still recovering in hospital last night with serious injuries after being assaulted during the disturbances. A total of six people received treatment for injuries they sustained.

A number of weapons including iron bars, wooden batons and sticks were seized and charges have been brought against two people. One was charged with possession of an offensive weapon and another with disorderly behaviour.

A third was released and the fourth remains in custody.

Sinn Fein Councillor Billy Leonard said up to 100 loyalists entered the area: "There is a lot of anger in this community as to the way the police handled it.

"They are blaming police for allowing a loyalist mob into what is, not exclusively, but a majority nationalist, republican street," he said.

However, the police said their officers dealt with the situation swiftly and professionally, and that any complaints should be forwarded to the NI Police Ombudsman.

PSNI Area Commander for Coleraine, Chief Inspector Nicky Thompson, called on everyone with influence to ensure there were no further outbreaks of disorder.

"It is time that people showed more respect for their neighbours, and time that the small minority who seem intent on creating trouble sought out new and peaceful ways to resolve their differences," he said.

Detectives have appealed for witnesses to contact them on 0845 600 8000, or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, police are also investigating an alleged assault on a 16-year-old girl at a bonfire in Ballymena, Co Antrim.

The victim suffered swelling and bruising to the eye after she was punched in the face at the site in the Dunville area of Dunclug estate early on Sunday morning.

Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay said: "This is another example of the fear and intimidation that some individuals are trying to instil in this community and they will not succeed.

"The person who carried out this attack is nothing more than a thug and I would call on anyone with any information to bring it forward."

(BMcC)