Northern Ireland

Police appeal after two teenage boys attacked in sectarian assaults in north Belfast

Police have appealed for witnesses
Police have appealed for witnesses Police have appealed for witnesses

POLICE have appealed for witnesses after two teenage boys were attacked in two sectarian assaults in north Belfast.

A 15-year-old was targeted by two males, both on bikes, as he made his way along the Oldpark Road, close to the junction with Rosapenna Street, on Saturday at around 10pm.

He was verbally abused with sectarian comments before being beaten with metal bars.

Police said the victim was taken to hospital for treatment,

The PSNI said in the second incident, around 15 minutes later, another 15-year-old was walking along the Crumlin Road, close to Russell's shop, with a friend when sectarian abuse was directed at them, again by two males on bikes.

The teenager was hit under the eye and believes he was struck by something metal as well. They struck him again before fleeing.

Police believe both attacks are linked.

In a post on Facebook, the PSNI described the assaults as "disgusting".

"We want to catch these two and we need your help," it said.

"We need to identify these two individuals who were using the push bikes in this area last night.

"Were you in the area? Can you provide any information about these appalling attacks? If you can, we need to speak to you."