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Man verbally abused and struck with dog lead in racist attack

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The incident happened in the Divis Street area on Thursday afternoon

A man has been verbally abused and struck with a metal dog lead in what police believe was a racially motivated assault.

It happened in the Divis Street area of west Belfast at about 13:20 GMT on Thursday.

The victim was treated in hospital for injuries to his arm.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Det Sgt McCartan said the assault was "prolonged" and appealed for information.

The victim was reportedly followed by another man with a dog, who subjected him to racial verbal abuse, police said.

He proceeded to follow the victim home while being verbally abusive and making threats.

The suspect then tried to enter the property while assaulting the man and striking him with a metal dog lead.

He eventually fled after a number of residents intervened, police said.