Police investigating an alleged sectarian attack on an 18-year-old man in Belfast are appealing for the driver of a car to come forward.
The incident is alleged to have occurred shortly after 10.30pm on the Ardoyne Road.
An 18-year-old was reportedly approached by a number of males and following a verbal exchange was assaulted, police said.
Police said the driver of a dark coloured Volkswagen car may have interrupted the alleged assault before heading towards Alliance Avenue.
Sergeant Hawkins said: “We are continuing to investigate this vicious assault, which occurred shortly after 10:30pm at the Ardoyne Road area.
"An 18-year old-man was approached by a number of males unknown to him, a verbal exchange between the males then occurred and the male was subsequently assaulted. The man was taken to hospital for his injuries following the incident.
“We would like to speak with the driver of a dark coloured Volkswagen car that was in the area at the time of the incident. It is believed the car interrupted the assault, before making off towards the Alliance Avenue area. We believe the driver of this vehicle may be able to assist with our enquiries in relation to this assault, which is being treated as a sectarian hate crime.
“Two teenage boys aged 14 and 15 years old were arrested as part of the ongoing investigation. Both were released on police bail pending further enquiries.
“We are keen to speak with anyone who witnessed the assault, or any motorists who may have been in the area. If anyone has any information or who may have dashcam footage available taken at the time, they should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1048 23/05/21."
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