'Sectarian slash attack' leaves man with gash on face

A man has suffered injuries to his face and midriff after he was slashed with a sharp object in County Antrim.

The man was on Shore Road in Newtownabbey when he was approached by another man and attacked at around 7.20 am on Monday morning.

The man received treatment for injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.

The attacker is described as being around 5ft 9"tall, with a slim but muscular build, and aged between 25-30 years old. He was wearing a white/grey hooded top and was cleanly shaven.

Constable Philip Kelly said:

"At this stage the incident is being treated as a sectarian hate crime and I would appeal to anyone with any information regarding the assault to contact police in Newtownabbey on 101 quoting reference number 312 6/8/18.

"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.”