Police have launched an investigation into an alleged assault at a Belfast city centre bar in the run up to Christmas.
The PSNI has said they are treating the incident – which took place at a bar in the Hill Street area on Monday December 23 – as a “sectarian and homophobic” hate crime.
Detective Sergeant Kitchen said: “At around 10:30pm, it was reported that a man in his 30s was both verbally and physically assaulted inside a bar in the area.
“The man was taken to hospital with bruising to his right thigh and a laceration to his head following the incident.
“Enquiries are continuing but at this stage, the incident is being treated as both a sectarian and homophobic hate crime.
“Police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to this incident, is asked to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 1624 23/12/24.
“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
News Catch Up: Monday 13th January