Police seek driver who may have interrupted 'vicious sectarian attack' in north Belfast

By Q Radio News

Police are seeking to identify a witness who may have interrupted a vicious attack on a young man in north Belfast which is being treated as a sectarian hate crime.  

The 18-year-old was taken to hospital after being attacked by a gang of men in the Ardoyne area at around 10.30pm on Saturday. 

Two boys, aged 14 and 15, were arrested but released on bail. 

Detectives are keen to hear from the driver of a dark coloured Volkswagen car that made off towards the Alliance Avenue area.

Sergeant Hawkins said: “We are continuing to investigate this vicious assault, which occurred shortly after 10:30pm at the Ardoyne Road area. 

“An 18-year-old man was approached by a number of males unknown to him, a verbal exchange between the males then occurred and the male was subsequently assaulted. 

“The man was taken to hospital for his injuries following the incident.

“We would like to speak with the driver of a dark coloured Volkswagen car that was in the area at the time of the incident. 

“It is believed the car interrupted the assault, before making off towards the Alliance Avenue area. 

“We believe the driver of this vehicle may be able to assist with our enquiries in relation to this assault, which is being treated as a sectarian hate crime.

“Two teenage boys aged 14 and 15 years old were arrested as part of the ongoing investigation. Both were released on police bail pending further enquiries.

“We are keen to speak with anyone who witnessed the assault, or any motorists who may have been in the area. 

“If anyone has any information or who may have dashcam footage available taken at the time, they should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1048 23/05/21.”