Police Appeal After Two Serious Assaults Near Oldpark Road

Detectives in North Belfast are appealing directly to the community for information and witnesses following a series of serious assaults that have recently taken place in the Oldpark Road area. These incidents are deeply concerning, particularly as one victim was attacked on two separate occasions within a short timeframe.

Police confirmed that the first reported incident occurred on Tuesday, November 18, around 11:00 PM. The victim, a man in his 40s, was reportedly tackled to the ground close to the junction of Oldpark Road and Ballynure Street by up to three men. He lost consciousness during the attack and required hospital treatment for a serious head injury.

Worryingly, the victim was assaulted again in the same area just weeks later. On Saturday, December 13, also around 11:00 PM, three men approached him from the direction of Gracehill Court. During this second assault, the man was punched and kicked until he once again lost consciousness, resulting in facial injuries requiring hospital care.

The suspects in the second assault were described as wearing dark hoodies and having their faces covered. Investigators are actively working to establish if these three individuals were also involved in the assault that occurred in November. Police are focused on establishing the full circumstances, identifying those involved, and determining a motive.

Detective Sergeant Faulkner emphasized that the victim has understandably been left shocked and fearful by these repeated attacks. They stressed the importance of reporting crime immediately and assured residents that police are there to help.

If you witnessed either of these assaults, or have dash-cam or other video footage that could assist the investigation, please contact police immediately on 101, quoting reference number 706 17/12/25. Alternatively, reports can be submitted using the non-emergency reporting form online, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.