A teenage boy has been arrested after a woman was assaulted with a drill in a possible homophobic attack in Northern Ireland.

The victim, 38, suffered a “very serious” head injury and was in a critical but stable condition in hospital, police said.

A 17-year-old boy was being questioned after the incident, which took place at around 2am on Saturday in Strabane, County Tyrone.

DS Brian Reid, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said: “This was a brutal attack and the injuries sustained by the victim are extremely grave. We are exploring a possible homophobic motive for the crime and we are appealing for witnesses to get in touch with us.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a male carrying a drill in the area around the time of the assault and we would especially like to speak to anyone who may have captured footage, either on mobile phone or dashcam.”

Officers are continuing to examine the scene. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.