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Cleric attacked: no one helps

21 September 2012

A MINISTER who was attacked and knocked to the ground in Strabane, Co. Tyrone, has said that he would welcome his attackers into his church.

The Revd Richard Bryant, a Methodist minister from the United States, who moved to Ireland two months ago, was walking with his wife in the town centre in daylight, when he was struck on the back of the head, causing him to fall. The incident was witnessed by several people, but none went to his aid.

Mr Bryant said that he asked his attackers: "'Why did you hit me? I didn't deserve this,' and they just started to laugh hysterically. . . I said to the crowd: 'You're looking at me like I'm crazy - help me.' Then a voice came from behind me in the crowd and said: 'Yes, you are crazy' - someone actually said that to me."

He said that while not seriously injured, he was shocked by the reaction of the onlookers.

 

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