A man has been charged following a violent assault in west Belfast, which police are treating as racially motivated.
The incident occurred on Thursday in the John Street area, where a victim was subjected to racial abuse before being physically attacked. The assailant reportedly followed the victim while hurling verbal insults before striking him with a metal dog lead.
The victim sustained injuries to his arm and required hospital treatment. Police confirmed that the attack was prolonged and continued even as the suspect attempted to force his way into the victim’s home. The assault ended when local residents intervened, causing the attacker to flee.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 25 April.
The charges against him include:
– Aggravated burglary
– Attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm
– Possessing an offensive weapon in a public place
– Two counts of common assault
Racially motivated crimes remain a serious concern in Northern Ireland. According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), reports of hate crimes have been rising in recent years, with many victims from ethnic minority communities experiencing verbal abuse, vandalism, and physical assaults.
The John Street area, where the attack took place, has a diverse population and has previously seen incidents of racial harassment. Authorities have urged the public to report hate crimes to ensure communities remain safe.
Detective Sergeant McCartan described the assault as prolonged and deeply concerning. The police are continuing their investigation and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Authorities have reassured residents that they are committed to tackling hate crimes and ensuring justice for victims.
