A 17-YEAR-OLD male has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent after a woman suffered grave head injuries in an attack with a cordless drill.
The teenager has also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and theft after the incident in Co. Tyrone.
Police have said they are looking into a possible homophobic motive behind the attack.
The 38-year-old victim was left in a critical condition after the attack in the Railway Street area of Strabane at around 2am.
She is being treated in the critical care unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry where her condition has now stabilised.
Detective Sergeant Brian Reid of the PSNI 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.”
The suspect is expected to appear at Omagh Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
'Outrage'
Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle described the attack as horrific.
She said: “People are absolutely numb with shock at the horrific nature of this attack perpetrated against this woman and the thoughts of everyone are with the victim and her family at this time.
“My hope is that she can pull through from the life-threatening injuries which she has sustained.
“Police are also reporting that there could be a homophobic element to this horrific attack, which only adds to the sense of outrage felt in the community.
“There is no place for hate crime of any kind in our society and if this report is true then this barbaric attack is all the more reprehensible."
Anyone with information should contact police in Strabane on 101, quoting reference number 153 05/05/18 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.
