A man was taken to hospital after having part of his ear bitten off by a stranger in an unprovoked attack. The incident happened as the victim was leaving a licensed premises on Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, at around 2.10am on Monday October 28.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said an unknown male who bit the man "without provocation" from behind before fleeing from the scene on foot. Belfast Live reports the injured man was taken to hospital.
Officers are now appealing for information. A statement from PSNI said: "Detectives are appealing for information following an incident at licenced premises on Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, in the early hours of Monday 28th October.
"It was reported to police that at around 2.10am, as a man was leaving the premises he was approached from behind by a unknown male who, without provocation, bit a part of his ear off. The male then made off from the scene on foot. The injured man was later taken to hospital for treatment.
"An investigation is underway and Detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or who has CCTV or dash-cam footage from the area which could assist them with their enquiries, to contact them at Antrim on 101, quoting reference number 113 28/10/24.
"A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/."
Investigating the Incident
The PSNI confirmed that the attack occurred without provocation and said the attacker made off from the scene on foot. The victim was later taken to hospital for treatment. Detectives are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the area to contact them at Antrim on 101.
Call for Witnesses
The PSNI has also appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The police are particularly interested in anyone who witnessed the attack or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage that could help them with their enquiries. The PSNI has provided a contact number for anyone with information: Antrim on 101, quoting reference number 113 28/10/24. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
Public Response
The incident has shocked the community in Ballymena, with many expressing their concern and outrage over the attack. Local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. The attack has also sparked a debate about the need for increased security measures in public places.
Community Safety
The incident has highlighted the importance of community safety and the need for vigilance in public spaces. The PSNI has urged residents to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity. The police are also working to address concerns about public safety and to increase security measures in areas where crime is more prevalent.
A Call to Action
The incident has highlighted the need for a collective effort to combat crime and ensure the safety of our communities. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including law enforcement, local authorities, and the public. It is also important to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity. By working together, we can create safer and more secure communities for everyone.
