'Sectarian' assault at golf course

The largest bruise, across his chest, was inflicted with a golf club

A golfer has been injured in what police described as a sectarian attack by a gang of youths in County Antrim.

The 21-year-old west Belfast man was taken to hospital with a suspected broken arm following the assault at Aberdelghy golf course near Lisburn on Sunday afternoon.

He was wearing a Glasgow Celtic football shirt at the time.

Police said that up to 20 youths were involved in the incident - some of them wearing Glasgow Rangers football shirts.

The man, who did not want to be identified, received stitches on his head and was covered in bruises.

The largest bruise, across his chest, was inflicted with a golf club.

Two men wearing Rangers shirts approached him as he played a round of golf at the council-owned golf course and told him to take off his shirt.

They left for a while but returned with a crowd of loyalists.

Up to 20 youths were involved in the attack at Aberdelghy golf course

Some of them chased the man while others lay in wait.

The man said he thought they were going to kill him.

Police Superintendent Gerry Murray said sectarian attacks in the area were decreasing, which is why he is determined to catch the men responsible for this "brutal assault".

The head of the Leisure Services Committee at Lisburn City Council, Ivan Davis, said he was "appalled" at the attack.

"Everyone has the right to enjoy themselves without threat, intimidation or actual harm," said the Ulster Unionist alderman.

"We in Lisburn are proud of our sporting achievements and the first-class facilities which are for everyone to enjoy.

"We sincerely hope that those that carried out this attack will be apprehended as quickly as possible."