Teen ‘hit in the face with baseball bat’ during alleged sectarian attack in North Belfast

Family members of the victim have alleged there was a sectarian motive behind the attack

A teenager has lost a tooth after being hit in the face with a baseball bat during an alleged sectarian assault in North Belfast.

Police received reports shortly after midnight on Saturday, October 11, that a teenage boy had been assaulted by two other teens outside of a gym in the Crumlin Road area.

It has been alleged that the boy had left the gym when he was confronted by two others who punched him. Following this, one of the teens is reported to have hit him in the face with a baseball bat causing him serious facial injuries which included losing at least one tooth.

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Speaking to Belfast Live, a family member of the victim claimed that there was a sectarian motive behind the attack, saying it was a disgusting attack on someone who was just going to the gym.

Two teenage boys have since been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences and have been released on bail as the police investigation continues.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report of an assault on a teenage male in the Crumlin Road area of north Belfast shortly after midnight on Saturday October 11.

Sergeant Kennedy said: “It was reported that the victim was punched by two males and also struck on the side of a face with a baseball bat, sustaining injuries to his mouth as a result.

“One of the suspects, who is aged in his teens, was arrested on suspicion of common assault and criminal damage.

“A second male, also aged in his teens, was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

“They have both since been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries.

“Police are continuing to appeal to anyone who might have been in the area at the time and witnessed what happened, to get in touch.

“The number to call is 101, quoting reference No6 of 11/10/25.”