An Alliance Party councillor says he will continue campaigning in every street despite being subjected to an assault whilst canvassing for the upcoming local elections.
Councillor Michael Long, the party's group leader on Belfast City Council, says he was verbally and physically assaulted whilst canvassing last Thursday evening in what the PSNI are describing as a hate crime.
The Lisnasharragh councillor, who is married to Alliance leader Naomi Long, said he was canvassing in Carncaver Road when two men approached him, shouting abuse and telling him to leave the area.
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When Councillor Long, a former Lord Mayor of Belfast, attempted to continue, his path was blocked and an assault occurred.
Speaking afterwards, he said: "In my 22 years as an elected representative for this area, I have never been faced with this level of intimidation.
"As a local councillor, I work for everyone in my community and this attempt to stop me from engaging with constituents is a clear attack on the democratic process.
"I loathe that I had to leave the street however, I was back on the doors nearby within the hour and I will continue to reach out to people across Lisnasharragh, in every street and area, as I have done throughout my time as a councillor. This event will not deter me.
"The incident has been reported to the PSNI and I’d like to thank them for their assistance. These thugs will not deter us from representing every section of our community and we will continue fighting for a shared future."
The next council election is due to be held on May 18.
Police have confirmed that they received a report of a man in his 50s being threatened by two men whilst distributing election material at around 5.35pm on Thursday 13th April in the Carncaver Road area of Belfast and are appealing for witnesses.
PSNI Superintendent Finola Dornan said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to doing everything we can to ensure all candidates can participate fully in the forthcoming Northern Ireland council election free from harassment, intimidation and other forms of criminality.
“We are treating this as a hate crime and enquiries are ongoing. We are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who may have dash cam, mobile footage or any other information which could assist, to contact Police on 101, quoting reference number 1475 of 13/04/23.”
A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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