Boy may have been attacked with Stanley knife after football match

The boy, aged 14 and with a local team, was assaulted at about 8.30pm on Monday after a football game at Grove playing fields in north Belfast.

Inspector Roy Watton said in a statement that an “altercation occurred in the car park after the game, which continued on to Jellicoe Avenue”.

The boy received a cut to the rear of his neck. It is not clear how this was caused.

Police added: “There are reports that one of the offenders may have had a Stanley knife and others [were] carrying sticks.

“It appears that a group of approximately 20 teenagers who had no connection with the football game arrived in the area and were involved in this fight.

“On arrival of police this group ran in the direction of Alexander Park Avenue. A line of inquiry is also being investigated that this was arranged through social media.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area of the Grove playing fields in north Belfast after 8pm on Monday April 25 who witnessed the assault, or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation, to contact detectives in Musgrave Police Station on 101.

“Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”