Alliance Councillor for Ballymena, Patricia O’Lynn, has condemned those behind an unprovoked attack on a man in Ballymena on Saturday night.

Councillor O’Lynn said: “Whoever was behind this attack must be condemned without reservation. Police are treating this as a racist attack and investigating it as a hate crime. Ballymena is a welcoming town and this attack is not a true image of life here.

“I hope the injured man makes a speedy and full recovery and I would urge anyone with information about this attack to report it to the police on the 101 number or anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”