Belfast: arrests after 'head-butt' assault on worker at fast-food shop

Police said today (Thursday) they were treating a late-night assault at fast-food premises in south Belfast as a "racially-motivated hate crime."

A staff member was reportedly head-butted while another worker was hit with a bottle during the incident on the Ormeau Road shortly after 10.50.

Two 19-year-old men were arrested.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Shortly after 10:50pm, it was reported that two men entered a fast-food premises and after being escorted out of the shop, the men verbally abused a member of staff and one of the men head-butted the staff member.

"It was also reported that a bottle was thrown at another member of staff, which caused swelling to his cheek. Enquiries are continuing in relation to this incident but at this stage, it is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime.

“As part of the investigation, police are also investigating a potential link between this incident and a report of criminal damage caused to a car parked at the Palestine Street area earlier in the evening. It was reported that a car window was smashed during the incident.

“Two men were subsequently arrested by police. One man aged 19 years old was arrested on suspicion of common assault, criminal damage, threats to damage property and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He remains in police custody at this time. "

The spokesperson added that officers would continue to "tackle incidents of criminality" and "maintain a visible presence across south Belfast to keep the local community safe."

“Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to these incidents, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 1771 20/11/24. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”