Two questioned over attack on man

The attack happened at the junction of Sussex Place and Hamilton Street

Two men are being questioned over an attack on a man in the Markets area of south Belfast on Friday night.

Jeremy Mooney, 41, a taxi driver from Bangor, is in a critical condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital after he was beaten in Sussex Place.

Mr Mooney's girlfriend, Dawn McClure, said she was horrified at the extent of his injuries.

"I couldn't believe it. It wasn't the guy who went out with me. We were laughing and joking.

"He was lying there, he cannot even breathe for himself. He has got a machine to keep him here."

Mr Mooney was on his way to a concert with friends when the attack happened.

"It is understood that there were three males and two females in the group responsible for the assault," said a police spokesman.

"Initial enquiries suggest that the man was walking through the area with a group of three friends, specifically two females and second male."

Two doctors - possibly both men - are believed to have stopped at the scene to help the victim.

Sinn Fein south Belfast assembly member Alex Maskey has condemned the assault.

"I was just absolutely disgusted when I heard the news and my heart goes out to them," he said.

"I hope the family takes some comfort from the fact that the people in our area are also disgusted with it. I would hope and I would expect that anybody who has any knowledge or information about it would bring it forward."