Investigation opened after sectarian attack against teenager

POLICE have launched an investigation after a teenager was attacked by a bike gang overnight.

The boy was targeted while cycling in the Ormeau Park area of ​​south Belfast last night (May 29).

A group of boys, also on bikes, began hurling sectarian insults at the teenager, before one of them punched him in the face.

PSNI officers have appealed to anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward.

“It was reported that shortly after 8.30pm the boy was cycling in the area when he was approached by a number of boys also on bikes,” Inspector Carey of the PSNI said.

“One of the men allegedly directed sectarian insults at him, before hitting him in the face, causing injuries to his eye,” he added.

“The attacker was wearing a jacket with the hood up, as well as dark-colored pants and sneakers.”

Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.

“An investigation into the incident, which we are treating as a sectarianly motivated hate crime, is ongoing, and we are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened to us contact,” said Inspector Carey.

“The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1795 of 29/05/24.”