Northern Ireland

Boy (11) subjected to sectarian abuse and kicked in face during north Belfast attack

Police are keen to hear from a female driver who put the injured boy into her car and took him home.
Police are keen to hear from a female driver who put the injured boy into her car and took him home. Police are keen to hear from a female driver who put the injured boy into her car and took him home.

Police are appealing for witnesses after an 11-year-old boy was assaulted in north Belfast as he walked home on Sunday afternoon.

The victim was walking in the Oldpark Road area at around 3.30pm, when he was followed by a group of six to seven youths. One of the youths directed sectarian abuse at the boy, before setting upon him, and kicking him in the face.

The assailant is described as having dark black hair with a long fringe, and was wearing black trainers.

The other youths then joined in the attack, resulting in the victim sustaining a leg injury.

Police are particularly keen to hear from a female who drove past the assault when it was taking place, and stopped to give assistance before putting the injured boy into her car and taking him home.

Witnesses or anyone who has information that could assist police with their enquiries, are asked to contact detectives at Tennent Street, or via the non-emergency number 101, quoting the reference number 2021022801409, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.