A south Belfast shop owner has been attacked during a burglary, which is being treated by police as a racially-motivated hate crime.
Two men were arrested after the man was assaulted at premises on the Ormeau Road on Saturday.
PSNI chief inspector Mark Conway said: “Burglary is a serious offence, but the circumstances of this incident are even more serious.
“Local police officers on patrol in the area responded quickly and decisively arresting two men, aged 36 and 24, on suspicion of theft, grievous bodily harm and burglary with intent to steal.
“We are treating this report as a racially-motivated hate crime.
“Our investigation is continuing with both suspects now been released on conditional police bail.
“I would like to commend the actions of my officers who work day and daily in south Belfast to keep our local community safe and to support victims.
“I would appeal for anyone who may have been in the area on Saturday and has any information, or who may have CCTV, dash-cam or other footage of what happened, to call police on 101, quoting reference number 751 06/04/24.”
