Police are investigating a reported sectarian assault on a man from Enniskillen in south Belfast.

Christopher Tasker, 28, was walking on Benburb Street near the Donegal Road in the early hours of July 26 when a group of about 10 males approached him. He was accompanied by his girlfriend, her 19-year-old sister and her 42-year-old mother. The group had been leaving the Féile an Phobail festival.

Mr Tasker said the males questioned him about his name and where he was from, used sectarian slurs, and harassed the women with him. He was then physically attacked and suffered bruising to his leg, back, chest and arm. One of his shoes was taken during the incident.

Some of the group ran ahead to block the path while others fled when a passing car interrupted the attack, according to Mr Tasker.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the reported assault is being treated as a sectarian motivation hate crime. Officers have appealed for anyone with information, including CCTV or other footage, to come forward.

Mr Tasker said he wanted to raise awareness of what happened and stressed that attending a festival should not result in an attack because of a person's background.

Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 108 26/07/26. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers.