David Ford said: “This was a despicable attack on a young man enjoying his Saturday evening. It appears that this attack may have been sectarian. This revelation makes the incident all the more disturbing since we are trying to eradicate this dangerous element from our society.
“I want to send my best wishes to the young victim and I hope he makes a speedy recovery.
“It’ all well and good that paramilitary organisations say they are ending their violence; however, we need to see all forms of violence leaving our streets.”
ENDS