Police are appealing for information following a report assaults and criminal damage in east Belfast over the last few nights.

Chief Inspector Rosie Thompson said: “Just before 6.30pm on Wednesday, 14 September, police were called to the scene of an assault in the Mayflower Street area where a man had been attacked by approximately three men outside a property.

“The victim was kicked and punched and subject to sectarian abuse by his attackers.

“A woman who tried to intervene was also assaulted and injury was caused to her eye.

“A man aged in his 30s was later arrested on suspicion of common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

“He was later released on bail pending further enquiries.

“At approximately 10.10pm on Thursday night, officers received a report that a group of around five masked men had caused criminal damage to a house in Mayflower Street.

“We believe both incidents to be connected and are treating them as a sectarian hate crimes.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and police will continue to make every effort to ensure that this happens.

“We have increased patrols in this area to assure the community that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed either incident or who may have any footage that could assist with our investigation to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1872 of 15/09/22.” 

A report can also be submitted online using the Police Service’s non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ 

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.