Hate crime attack on Ballyclare man condemned

Political representatives have been left disgusted after a hate crime incident in Belfast in the early hours of Sunday morning.

James Hall was left with cuts to his face after being attacked in Belfast city centre yesterday morning.

James, originally from Ballyclare, had been enjoying a night out, before the incident took place.

In a video posted on Facebook shortly after the incident occurred, blood can be seen running down his face. In the video James said that he was set upon by an unknown male in an unprovoked attack.

James believes that he was attacked because he is gay.

Speaking to the Times, James said that he was recovering from his ordeal, but had been left very shaken. He was due to attend hospital yesterday evening for a check-up on his injuries.

The Times understands police are treating this incident as a hate crime.

Cllr David Arthurs has called for an end to such attacks. The UUP representative stated: “I am appalled at such an attack. This type of homophobic attack has no place in our country! We are in the year 2016 and we live in a shared society. All hate crime in Northern Ireland has to come to an end! I’d call for anyone with any information to call the PSNI.”

Cllr Julie-Anne Corr Johnston has condemned the attack. The Progressive Unionist Party representative said: “Belfast is a strong and diverse city and its people have the right to live their lives free from violence. I wholly condemn this attack and stand with the victim, calling on other political representatives to do the same.”

Commenting on the incident, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are appealing for information following the report of an assault on a man in the Little Donegall Street area of Belfast at approximately 3am yesterday morning.

“Inspector Antony Frazer would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this assault to contact police at Tennent Street on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 290 16/10/16. Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”