Police investigating attack on election candidate as a hate crime

By Rebecca Black and Dominic McGrath, PA

Police are investigating an assault on an election candidate in the Ormeau Road area of south Belfast as a hate crime.

The candidate was pushed up against a fence and subjected to sectarian abuse after she attempted to chase two youths who were pulling down her election posters.

Other candidates have condemned the attack in which her mobile phone was also nearly stolen, calling the election "toxic".

Police are investigating an assault on an election candidate in the Ormeau Road area of south Belfast as a hate crime.https://t.co/6coMDf6wmk

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 13, 2022

The Police Service of Northern Ireland have called for information and any potential witnesses to come forward.

Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard said officers are committed to ensure all candidates can participate in the Stormont election free from harassment, intimidation and other forms of criminality.

He said police have contacted the political parties to offer briefing sessions and information for candidates on crime prevention and personal safety.

The PSNI said two males were seen removing election posters from a lamppost in the Ravenhill Road area shortly before 5.30pm on Tuesday.

“A short time later, a female was assaulted in the Ormeau Park area. She was pushed against a fence by a male, who was described as being around 5ft 8in in height, approximately 18 years old, and dressed in a light grey jacket,” the force said.

“She was then pushed by a second male, who was described as being around the same age, approximately 5ft 10in in height, and wearing a dark grey jacket with the hood up, black framed glasses, and a face mask.

“The female was also subjected to sectarian abuse during the incident, and was understandably left shaken. Thankfully, she did not sustain any physical injuries.”

The PSNI said officers are treating the incident as a hate crime.

They have urged anyone who witnessed it, or has any dashcam or mobile footage or any information which could assist, to contact officers on 101, quoting reference number 1437 of 11/04/22.

The candidate tweeted on Tuesday: “Where to start. I gave chase as I wanted the police know which exit to lift them from. They assaulted me & after that tried to rob my phone.

“We need common ground politics here. We need to not fail these thugs as much as anyone else. Polarisation is wrecking our present & future.”