DETECTIVES have launched an investigation into a serious assault on the northern outskirts of Belfast.

It happened in the Manse Road area of Carnmoney in the early hours of Thursday, July 10 but details have just been released.

According to police, a man was walking along the road at around 3am when a car, possibly an old shape Saab, pulled up and three males got out.

They chased the man in to a field at the Prince Charles Way/Manse Road roundabout, where they assaulted him.

The man required hospital treatment for a cut to his head and a bite wound to his chest.

Police say the assault is being treated as a sectarian hate crime.

Investigating detectives have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

They can be contacted at Newtownabbey CID on the non-emergency number, 101.