“Police in Belfast are investigating a report that a man was stabbed in the Cliftonpark Avenue area of the city yesterday morning, Saturday, November 14,” said the PSNI.
The victim, who was out for a walk when he was confronted by three men, is currently receiving hospital treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident occurred between 7.30am and 7.45am. Following an altercation during the confrontation, the man was stabbed in the chest. Authorities have officially confirmed that they are treating the attack as a hate crime.
Investigators released physical descriptions of the three male assailants to help find them. One suspect was wearing a tan, black and pink tracksuit, while a second individual was dressed in a North Face tracksuit. The third male was described by police as being “significantly tall.”
Officers are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who possesses relevant footage to come forward. This includes material from CCTV, doorbell cameras, or dashcams that could help clarify the events of Saturday morning. The police have explicitly requested that any person who may have captured footage of the area that could assist the investigation reach out to law enforcement.
“The attack is being treated as a hate crime and officers would like to hear from anyone with information or anyone who may have captured CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or any other type of footage that could assist,” the PSNI said. The PSNI is investigating the incident and is asking the public to help identify those involved in the assault.
Alternatively, those who wish to provide details without revealing their identity can reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or via their website at crimestoppers-uk.org.
While the victim remains in the hospital for treatment, police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation that led to the chest injury. The PSNI has not provided further updates on the current status of the suspects, who were last seen fleeing the vicinity of Cliftonpark Avenue following the morning altercation.
Officials remain focused on gathering evidence to determine the motive behind the suspected hate crime and to track the movements of the three men described in the official reports.
Earlier coverage: Suspect Arrested After Serious Assault in Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone
