Man in critical condition after Belfast parade assault

A man is in a critical condition in hospital following an assault during a band parade in Belfast.

Two men in their 20s, understood to be brothers, suffered injuries in the Donegall Road area of the city at around 9.30pm on Saturday.

One of the men is in a critical condition in hospital after he sustained a serious head injury.

Police in south Belfast are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

"One of the males sustained a serious head injury and is currently described as being in a critical condition in hospital," said Detective Sergeant Kenneth Leckey.

“The second male sustained facial injuries which are not believed to be life threatening. The assault occurred whilst a band parade was taking place in the area.”

The incident is not being treated as a sectarian.

“It is understood that the two males are brothers and I would appeal to anyone who was in this area and witnessed the assault to contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”