A Derry-based criminal gang is suspected of being involved in last month’s brutal attack which left a young Lifford man fighting for his life.
Popular Charles Dooher (26) was beaten by five masked men armed with iron batons at his home on the Coneyburrow Road on Monday, January 20th.
He suffered severe head injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he remains, fighting for his life.
Charles’ father, also named Charles, was seriously assaulted and treated in Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) for non-life threatening injuries before being released. The sickening attack occurred in broad daylight, at around 10:30 on the morning in question.
According to his mother, Annmarie Dooher, Charles tried to fight off the attackers before being overpowered by them.
In the days following the incident, detectives with the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch arrested two men in Derry in connection with the attack. However, they were later released on bail ‘pending further inquiries.’
Donegal Daily understands the gang, which is closely linked to Dissident Republicans in Derry, is suspected by authorities on both sides of the border of being directly involved. A number of the gang members have been convicted of serious crimes over the years.
It is also believed they planned to carry out a robbery at the Dooher family home when they were confronted by the father and son.
When contacted by Donegal Daily, a spokesperson for the Garda Press Office said Gardaí continue to work closely with their colleagues in the PSNI in relation to the matter.
“An Garda Síochána continues to liaise closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in the ongoing investigation into the serious assault of two males aged in their 20s and 60s at a residential property in Lifford, Co. Donegal, on 20th January, 2025.”
Last week Charles’ heartbroken girlfriend, Charlotte Gallen, pleaded to anyone with information in relation to his attack to come forward.
“I just want to put out an appeal for information regarding the attempted murder of my partner Charles Dooher who was brutally attacked in his Lifford home on the morning of the 20th of January by 5 masked men who violently beat him shattering his skull and have left him fighting for his life,” she posted on social media.
“This time last year we were living in Australia sitting by the beach and today I sit by his bedside in Intensive Care praying for some sort of miracle to have the love of my life back with us in full health.
Anybody who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the Coneyburrow Road, Lifford, between 10am and 11am on January 20 is asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
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