11-year-old attacked by gang in North Belfast; Rescuer urged to contact police

A schoolboy is the victim of an attack at the hands of six to seven youths in North Belfast.

The 11-year-old boy was walking home in the Oldpark Road area at around 3.30pm yesterday (Sunday) when he was both physically and verbally assaulted.

Police say he was followed, then one youth directed sectarian abuse at him, before setting upon him, and kicking him in the face.

The assailant is described as having dark black hair with a long fringe, and he was said to have been wearing black trainers.

The others in the group then joined in the attack, resulting in the victim sustaining a leg injury.

Police say a Good Samaritan stopped to assist the victim and drove him home, and they want to speak to her.

A statement said: “Police are particularly keen to hear from a female who drove past the assault when it was taking place, and stopped to give assistance before putting the injured party into her car and taking him home.

“Anyone who witnessed this assault, or who has information that could assist police with their enquiries, is asked to contact detectives at Tennent Street, or via the non-emergency number 101, quoting the reference number 2021022801409, or submit a report online using our 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/