POLICE have appealed for information following a race hate attack on the Ormeau Road in south Belfast.
Four teenage boys were walking together when two of the group were racially abused by a gang of people dressed in hazmat suits.
Comments of a racial nature as well as religious slurs were aimed at the teenagers who were then threatened with violence by the gang of at least 10 people.
The incident happened at around 6.30pm on Sunday.
Sinn Féin MLA and communities minister Deirdre Hargey condemned the attack saying: “Anyone with information in this incident should bring it forward so that those responsible can be brought before the courts.
“The community spirit within the Ormeau Road area over the last few months has been extremely heartening.
“Those of all religions, races and ethnicities have been working together to support the vulnerable in our community during this pandemic.
“Our community has also been united and strong in our anti-racism message in recent days, standing fully in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Anti-racism and anti-fascism proudly forms part of the DNA of our community.
“Those involved in this despicable incident will not succeed in undoing the strength of our community solidarity", she added.
The PSNI said it received a report that a group of up to 10 males, dressed in white boiler type suits, made a racist comment to four young males.
PSNI Inspector Natalie McNall, who has asked anyone with dashcam footage to bring it forward to police or the Crimestoppers charity, said: “We are investigating this incident and I would appeal to anyone who either saw this group of up to 10 males, who were walking along the Ormeau Road wearing the distinctive while boiler suits."
