PSNI investigate Belfast assault

Police in the North are investigating an assault on a woman in north Belfast in the early hours of New Year’s Eve.

The 31-year-old woman was tied up and assaulted by a man she met in a licensed premises.

The incident took place at about 1am off Carlisle Circus in the city.

Police believe the woman escaped with the help of passers-by, then raised the alarm after knocking on doors in the area.

She was treated in hospital for severe bruising to the arms and body.

Police have not ruled out a sexual motivation for the attack.