Police have made two arrests in connection with a recent burglary and subsequent assault in the south Belfast area on Saturday, 6th April.

Chief Inspector Mark Conway said: “These arrests relate to a burglary at a local business in the Ormeau Road area.  

“Burglary is a serious offence, but the circumstances of this incident are even more serious owing to the fact that shop owner was badly assaulted and subject to racial abuse.   

“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.”

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the 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/