While every racist attack in our society is to be deplored, there is something particularly shocking about an assault carried out almost in the shadow of Belfast City Hall.
The targeting of a foreign national in Bedford Street in the early hours of Sunday morning has justifiably been described by police as a hate crime.
Detectives are entitled to expect that they will receive maximum cooperation from the public as they set out to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The victim also needs to know that decent people from all sections of the community are appalled by his ordeal and will hope that he makes a full recovery.
