Man left traumatised after being attacked by masked gang in 'sectarian-motivated hate crime'

A man was punched and possibly struck with a bat during a sectarian-motivated gang attack in a NI town.
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Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following the report of a gang assault on the morning of Tuesday 5 November in the Sentry Hill area of Ballymena.

Police received a report that the incident happened to a man walking in the area around 11.30am - when he was attacked by several masked males.

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“The man was punched and struck, possibly with a bat; while one of the assailants brandished a knife," said Detective Sergeant Lenaghan.

Sentry Hill, Ballymena - Google mapsSentry Hill, Ballymena - Google maps
Sentry Hill, Ballymena - Google maps

"Thankfully, he managed to struggle free and made his way to safety.

“We are treating this as a sectarian-motivated hate crime – the victim was subjected to verbal sectarian abuse during the attack.

“Hate crimes have no place in today’s society and will simply not be tolerated.

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“While this man managed to escape with minor physical injuries, such as bruising and cuts, we could have been looking at a very different picture.

"He has, understandably, been left badly shaken by a dreadful ordeal. "

Sgt Lenaghan said that Sentry Hill "is a popular area with walkers" and appealed to "anyone with information, or who witnessed any suspicious activity, to get in touch on 101, quoting reference number 1424 of 07/11/19".

Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.