Man charged over alleged racially motivated assault

A man has been charged following an assault which police are treating as racially motivated hate crime.

The incident happened in the John Street area of west Belfast on Thursday.

The victim was treated in hospital for injuries to his arm after being verbally abused and struck with a metal dog lead.

The 31-year-old man who was charged is expected to appear at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Friday 25 April.

He has been charged with aggravated burglary, attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and two counts of common assault.

Speaking on Thursday, Det Sgt McCartan said the assault was "prolonged".

The victim was reportedly followed by another man with a dog, who subjected him to racial verbal abuse.

He proceeded to follow the victim home and then tried to enter the property while assaulting the man and striking him with a metal dog lead.

He eventually fled after a number of residents intervened.