PSNI appeals over attack on rugby fan

Police in Belfast are examining CCTV footage in an attempt to identify an attacker who assaulted a Connacht rugby supporter, …

Police in Belfast are examining CCTV footage in an attempt to identify an attacker who assaulted a Connacht rugby supporter, leaving him in a critical condition.

Paul Newton (43), from Sligo was assaulted near the city centre after the Magners League game against Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday night.

No arrests have yet been made in relation to the attack.

The former GAA county senior footballer was assulted after going out on his own to get food. He sustained a fractured skill and broken jaw in the assault, and remains on a life support machine in the Royal Victoria Hospital.

The PSNI confirmed this afternoon that Mr Newton wasn't wearing a Connacht rugby shirt at the time of the assult. They now believe only one attacker was involved and are examining CCTV footage from the area.

The PSNI have appealed to anyone in the Bradbury Place area around 3.30am on Saturday and who saw the attack or anything suspicious to contact them.

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They are particularly interested in speaking to two women who were sitting at a bus stop in Bradbury Place when the attack took place.

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien is an Irish Times business and technology journalist