Man, 22, killed in ‘one-punch’ attack after fight breaks out on beach in heatwave
A 22-YEAR-OLD man was killed in a “one-punch” attack after a fight broke out on a beach as scorching temperatures hit the UK. Darren O’Neill was rushed to hospital with a serious head injury after being attacked on Tyrella beach in Co Down, Northern Ireland, on Thursday but tragically died the next day. It comes […]
A 22-YEAR-OLD man was killed in a “one-punch” attack after a fight broke out on a beach as scorching temperatures hit the UK.
Darren O’Neill was rushed to hospital with a serious head injury after being attacked on Tyrella beach in Co Down, Northern Ireland, on Thursday but tragically died the next day.
It comes as crowds flocked to the beach over the past few days during the Saharan bubble heatwave.
Tributes have since flowed in for the “lovely lad” from Belfast.
One family member said: “After a hard fought lot of days, you gained your angel wings. To most people we were just cousins, but to me, you were a teacher and the big brother that never took your eyes off me.
“We know your going to be watching over us all and helping us to get through the hard days and showing us the light to the better days.”
And another relative took to social media, writing: “My heart is broken to a million pieces I can’t get over the fact that you’re really gone, far too early love you so much wee cousin .
“I’m really gonna miss your cheeky wee smile and the laugh running up and down the hill laughing because you have forgot your car keys or only getting home from your night out.”
A friend described him as a “gentleman” who you “couldn’t say a bad word about”.
I’m really gonna miss your cheeky wee smile
Family member
On Saturday detectives investigating the case charged a 21-year-old man with grievous bodily harm in relation to the incident.
He is due to appear at Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday, July 25.
The charges will be reviewed by the PPS as is standard procedure.
Shamrock Football Club said: “All at Shamrock FC would like to pass on their sincerest condolences to two of our ladies players, Danielle and Nikita O’Neill and their family on the untimely passing of their brother Darren O’Neill under such tragic circumstances. May he rest in peace.”
St James Swifts FC also held a minute’s silence.
A post mortem examination will be carried out in due course.
MOST READ IN NEWS
Detective Chief Inspector McCartney appealed for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.
He said: “These ‘one punch’ incidents have a hugely destructive impact on both victim and perpetrator and the consequences can be devastating, completely altering the lives of all concerned.
“I would like to offer my sympathy to the family and friends of Darren at this very sad time.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding Darren’s death and I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who has any information to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 1913 27/06/19.”
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.