Belfast 'Flash Attack' Is 'Mystery'

The police have appealed for information into what appears to be a new type of assault case where the victim said he saw 'a flash' before receiving an injury to the shoulder.

Mystery surrounds what type of weapon may have been used when the man, in his 30s, was injured in the west Belfast incident.

The victim said he was walking along the Springfield Road (pictured) at about 10pm on Sunday and while it is understood his injuries are not serious - and he was discharged from hospital on Sunday night - concerns still surround the 'weapon' used.

Meanwhile, a 12-year-old boy is recovering after he was attacked and beaten by a gang in Londonderry.

Police are investigating a possible sectarian motive for the attack which took place as the boy was walking along Carlisle Road in the city with another boy at about 1pm on Sunday.

They said up to six youths started to shout abuse and then attacked one of the boys. He suffered cuts and bruising to the face and neck.

Also in Derry, a man suffered a broken jaw after being assaulted in the early hours of Sunday.

At about 2.30am the 19-year-old was making his way home when three unknown men attacked him in the Foyle Street area.

He was taken to hospital and treated for a head injury, the broken jaw and broken fingers.

(BMcC)