POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have launched a renewed appeal for information on a sectarian assault that left a young man in a vegetative state.

Paul McCauley (34), a Catholic civil servant and father of one, was viciously attacked in the early hours of 16 July 2006 at the back of a house in Chapel Road, Derry.

One man is currently serving a 12-year sentence for the assault, but police believe that as many as 15 people were involved.

Paul was attending a summer barbecue at a house on 15 July 2006. By 3.20am on 16 July, only three people remained.

A group of up to 15 people came out from the bushes and attacked Paul and two of his friends, before making off in the direction of Irish Street.

The Irish News states today that the UDA carried out the attack.

The appeal has been launched following an internal review of the case.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Harrison said:

Five years on, this investigation remains open and active. We have new information which has become available to the investigation and we are going back into the community to try to obtain more.

Police will be making house-to-house enquiries over the coming days and will also be handing out leaflets in the Irish Street area and the Fountain estate. They are asking local people to think about what they know and talk to the police.

Paul’s father, Jim, said the family was still waiting for answers and for justice.

For the last five years, life for us has been on hold. The attack on Paul has ruined his life and changed the rest of our lives forever.  Paul remains in a minimally responsive state – he can’t move or communicate with us. It’s heartbreaking, particularly when most of those involved in the attack are still walking about.

Before the attack, Paul was a volunteer with Foyle Search and Rescue, helping those in distress. His father now calls  on people to help Paul and provide information on his attackers.

DCI Ian Harrison said that the vicious attack had left a cloud hanging over the community.

I am asking those who were there that night, and those who know who was there, to examine their consciences, to think about Paul and the McCauley family, their suffering and heartache.

Anyone with information is asked to ring 0845 600 8000 or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.