Two to face Lisburn Magistrates’ Court charged over race hate attack

DETECTIVES have charged two men over a race hate attack.

The accused -aged 18 and 22 – have been charged with a number of offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon, behaviour intending or likely to stir up hatred and threats to kill.

The charges relate to an attack on a black man on the Lagan towpath in Lisburn on Saturday around 3.30 pm.

Three males shouted racist abuse at the victim, then punched him several times in the head.

The man got away and ran to a bar in Bridge Street.

A 16-year-old boy and two men, aged 18 and 22, were arrested a short time later.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The 22 year old is due to appear at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 26.

The 18 year old is due to appear at the same court Thursday 19th June.

As is normal procedure the charges will be reviewed by the PPS.

A 16 year old male arrested in connection with this incident has been released pending a report to the PPS.