A MAN in his twenties has suffered "potentially life-changing injuries" after having liquid thrown in his face in an attack in south Belfast.
The attack occurred in the Botanic Avenue area at around 2.45pm when the victim was sitting close to a shop.
The man was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries understood to be serious.
A 39-year-old man arrested by police in connection with the attack has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
The incident has left people in the area "shocked", a local councillor said while appealing for witnesses to assist police with their enquiries.
A PSNI spokesperson said the victim was sitting in the area when he was approached by a male who threw a liquid in his face.
The perpetrator then ran off in the direction of nearby Ireton Street.
The liquid remained unidentified last night as a police investigation got underway, but the PSNI spokesperson said of the victim: "At this stage he is believed to have sustained potentially life-altering injuries to his chest and face.
They added: "We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this assault to get in touch with us by calling 101, and quoting reference number 947 of 07/04/21.
"We would also appeal to anyone who was in the area at this time and who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage of this incident to make contact with police."
As police cordoned off the area where the attack occurred, Translink's Metro bus services were diverted from Botanic Avenue.
SDLP councillor for the Botanic area, Gary McKeown, said the incident had caused "great concern in the community".
"This part of Belfast is packed with cafes and restaurants, and is close to schools and workplaces, so the idea that a violent incident like this could happen in the middle of the day is all the more appalling," he said.
"This is the type of attack we’ve read about elsewhere, but for it to happen on the streets of Belfast is horrendous and doesn’t bear thinking about. I would urge anyone with any information to please contact the police."