Attack on two men in Belfast investigated as racially motivated hate crime

Police are treating an attack on two men in south Belfast as a racially motivated hate crime.

The pair were attacked in the Ebor Street area by three unknown males on Sunday evening.

A police spokesperson said the two men had been walking in the area when they were approached by three males dressed in dark-coloured clothing who shouted racial abuse at them.

The incident reportedly happened between 9.30pm and 10.30pm.

“It was reported that they then began punching and kicking them, before one of them wielded a small flick-type knife,” a police spokesperson said.

“One of the victims sustained an injury to his arm whilst putting his arms up to protect himself. Both victims then managed to run away from the scene.”

“An investigation to establish the circumstances of this incident, which we are treating as a racially motivated hate crime, is ongoing, and we are appealing for witnesses to contact us.

“The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 58 of 20/05/24.

“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/”