Man and woman treated in hospital following potential hate crime attack

By Q Radio News

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested following an assault in Ballymena last night. 

A man and woman were punched and kicked by a group of youths in the Paradise Avenue area at around 9:50pm.

Both victims were taken to hospital following the attack for treatment of injuries to their face and head.

Police are treating the incident as a possible hate crime. 

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Detectives are appealing for information following the report of a man and woman being assaulted in Ballymena on Saturday evening. 

"It was reported that a man and woman walking the area were punched and kicked by a group of youths in the Paradise Avenue area at around 9:50 pm.

"The victims were taken to hospital following the assault for treatment of injuries to their face and head.

"A 15 year old male was arrested and released on bail pending further enquiries.

 "Enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved in this incident, which police are treating as a potential hate crime.

 "Detectives would ask anyone with information about this incident, or who may be able to help with the investigation to call police on the non-emergency number 101."