Police investigate racially motivated bus assault in Belfast

Police in south Belfast are investigating an incident on a bus where a female passenger was subjected to racially-motivated verbal abuse and physical assault by a man and a woman. The incident occurred around 8pm as the bus traveled from Ormeau Road through University Avenue and into the city center. Three male passengers who intervened were also verbally abused, with homophobic abuse reported during the altercation. As the perpetrators were ordered off the bus, the female suspect threw a large bottle at one of the intervening men, resulting in a cut to his lip. Authorities are treating the incident as both racially and homophobic-motivated hate crimes and have appealed for witnesses to come forward. Community leaders have condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for support for the victims and commending those who tried to help.