A MAN attacked alongside his brother during a loyalist band parade close to one of Belfast's busiest nightspots has left hospital.
The brothers, named locally as Brian and Daniel Kelly and both aged in their 20s, were assaulted on Donegall Road near Shaftesbury Square on Saturday.
Eyewitness reported that a group of uniformed bandsmen attacked the men at around 9.30pm, with the head of one of the victims "bashed into the side of a taxi".
One of the brothers suffered a serious head injury and was taken to hospital amid reports he was in a critical condition.
However, a Belfast trust spokesman last night said he was no longer in their care. It is understood he left the hospital on Sunday night.
The other brother suffered facial injuries.
The event on Saturday, organised by the Ulster First Flute Band, saw around 50 bands parading between Sandy Row Orange Hall and the local Rangers Supporters Club.
Police are not treating the attack as sectarian.
Questions have been raised about the PSNI response to the brutal assault.
SDLP councillor Declan Boyle has asked how it could take place so close to officers policing the parade.
A man, who did not want to be named, also told The Irish News last night: "I was passing through Sandy Row about 8.30pm, about an hour before the attack happened, and I was actually scared as so many of them seemed completely intoxicated.
"You could tell that things were getting aggressive, but the police were just standing about and watching them."
Ukip representative Bob Stoker said yesterday: "From what I have heard, the band who organised the event are condemning what has happened, they organised a very successful event for more than 40 bands from across Northern Ireland.
"I am very much horrified by that attack. From what I gather, it was a good night and for something like to happen spoils it and takes the focus away."
Superintendent Darrin Jones confirmed the assault happened while a band parade was taking place in the area and continued to appeal for witnesses to help identify those involved.
He added: "If anyone has a complaint to make about the actions of police they can contact the Police Ombudsman's office."
