Man with learning difficulties pushed to ground, kicked and drink poured over him

By Q Radio News

A young man with severe learning difficulties has been pushed to the ground, kicked and had alcohol poured over him in Ballymena. 

The assault happened at around 7.30pm on Friday outside a community centre on Raphael Way in the Galgorm area. 

Police have appealed for information. 

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police in Ballymena are investigating the report of an assault at a community centre at Raphael Way in the Gracehill/Galgorm area of Ballymena on Friday 13th March.

"It was reported that at around 7.30pm the injured party, a male aged in his 20’s with severe learning difficulties, was outside the centre when two male youths pushed him to the ground and began kicking him.

"The youths then poured alcohol over him as he lay on the ground before making off. The male sustained injuries to his back and wrist as a result of the assault."

Inspector Ash said: “This was a shocking attack on a totally defenceless person and I would strongly urge anyone with any information about the incident to contact officers in Ballymena on 101 quoting reference number 1950 13/03/20.

"Alternatively, information can also 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.”