NewsUK NewsCrimeThree men, aged in their 30s, were assaulted at the beach in Helen's Bay, North Down, at around 9pm on Monday, following an "earlier verbal altercation" in what police are treating as a racially motivated hate crimeLaura Hill and Rebecca Black Press Association18:21, 26 May 2026Updated 18:27, 26 May 2026Three men have been arrested following what officers have described as a "shocking" racially-motivated hate crime attack at a packed North Down beach on Monday.‌A police spokesperson confirmed they received a report that three men, all in their 30s, had been assaulted at the beach in Helen's Bay at approximately 9pm. The beach was crowded with people at the time after temperatures had soared through the day.‌The attack came after an "earlier verbal altercation", with those targeted said to have "sustained a number of serious, but non-life threatening, injuries".‌"A short time later, three men aged 28, 23 and 21 were stopped in their vehicle and arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon," a police spokesperson said."A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a quantity of suspected class A and class B drugs, and the 23-year-old was subsequently further arrested on suspicion of possession of class A and class B drugs."The three remain in custody at this time."‌The police spokesperson confirmed the incident is being investigated as a racially-motivated hate crime."We know that this was shocking for those enjoying the evening sunshine on the beach and want to reassure the local community that our investigation is progressing at pace," they said."We had an increased police presence in the area to ensure that everyone left the beach safely, and were on the scene quickly – but want to commend members of the public who helped to prevent the altercation escalating further.Article continues below"As our enquiries continue, we would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this assault, or the events leading up to it, to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1721 25/05/26."We're particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have recorded footage of the incident."Information can also be submitted using the online non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareportChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌CrimeHate crime