The Ulster Unionist security spokesman, Mr Ken Maginnis, has been treated in hospital after being attacked while dining out with his family. The Fermanagh South Tyrone MP suffered a head injury when struck with a beer can by a man at a Chinese restaurant in Scotch Street, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, on Saturday night.
Mr Maginnis said he was attacked without provocation while dining with his wife, Joy, daughter, Gail, three-year-old granddaughter and year-old grandson. The blow, inflicted from behind by a man carrying a full beer can, knocked him out briefly, he was told afterwards.
"It was towards the end of the meal and Joy was off at the front of the restaurant with the two kids, looking out the front window, and I was chatting with my daughter," he said.
"I was attacked from the rear. Beyond that I can't tell you much. What I do remember is lying on the floor, and smashed dishes where I had been knocked over.
"Apparently he was a big fellow. My daughter said he was built like a powerhouse. She said she just saw this fellow swinging this beer can fully and smashed it into my head."
The impact of the blow had left the imprint of the tin on the side of his head, said Mr Maginnis. He did not hear the attacker saying anything that might suggest a motive.
It was the second time Mr Maginnis has been attacked in the restaurant. He was beaten up there about two years ago when it was a takeaway.
A police spokesman said the RUC had started an investigation after a complaint was made following an assault on a man in a Chinese restaurant at Scotch Street, Dungannon. "The assault occurred at around 9.35 p.m. when the man, who was dining with his family, was approached by another male and struck with a beer can. The man has gone to hospital with an injury which is not believed to be serious," he said.
No one has been arrested in relation to the incident. The police spokesman said a motive for the attack had yet to be established and appealed for witnesses to come forward.