Police arrest trio in their 20s for ABH, weapon and drugs offences after 'race hate' attack at Helen's Bay beach
Three men in their 20s are under arrest for a variety of suspected offences after what the PSNI are treating as a “racially motivated” attack at Helen’s Bay.
It happened on the beach at the popular north Down bay, which frequently attracts masses of visitors during sunny spells, on Monday.
Keith Hutchinson, Ards and North Down District Chief Inspector, said in a statement: "At 9pm, we received a report that three men aged in their thirties had been assaulted on the beach by three other men, following an earlier verbal altercation.
"They sustained a number of serious, but non-life threatening, injuries.
"A short time later, three men aged 28, 23 and 21 were stopped in their vehicle and arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.
"A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a quantity of suspected class A and class B drugs, and the 23-year-old was subsequently further arrested on suspicion of possession of class A and class B drugs.
"The three remain in custody at this time.
"This matter is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime.
"We know that this was shocking for those enjoying the evening sunshine on the beach and want to reassure the local community that our investigation is progressing at pace.
"We had an increased police presence in the area to ensure that everyone left the beach safely, and were on the scene quickly - but want to commend members of the public who helped to prevent the altercation escalating further."
He wants to hear from witnesses to the attack or what led up to it, and from anyone who has footage.
Contact police on 101, quoting reference 1721 25/05/26 or use the online non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport
North Down DUP MLA Stephen Dunne said: “I’m shocked and alarmed by this violent incident at Helen’s Bay.
"There is absolutely no place in our society for hate crime or thuggery of any kind.
"My thoughts are with the victims and I wish them a full and speedy recovery following what must have been a deeply traumatic ordeal.
"Helen’s Bay and the wider north Down area is a welcoming and safe place for everyone to enjoy."