A Chinese woman was punched and verbally abused on her way to work in south Belfast today in what Sinn Fein described as a racially motivated attack.
Police were called to investigate an alleged assault on the woman in the Lower Crescent area off Botanic Avenue.
Sinn Fein Assembly member Mr Alex Maskey said the incident was racist.
"Unfortunately this is not the first racist incident in this area of the city. All of us in political leadership have an obligation to confront racist and sectarian behaviour within our own communities," he added.
Ms Anna Lo of the Chinese Welfare Association condemned the incident. "It happened in broad daylight and it is just making people feel so vulnerable. If they look different, they are an easy target."
A police spokeswoman confirmed that officers were called out to an incident at
Lower Crescent around 9 a.m. today but no complaint was made.