THREE council workers required hospital treatment after being attacked in the early hours of Saturday morning in Belfast city centre.
The three men were punched in the face and neck during the incident in the Little Donegall Street area.
Police are now appealing for information as they attempt to trace two men in connection with the incident.
“Our council workers are a vital part of our community and assaults on them whilst doing their job will not be tolerated,” said Inspector Knowles of the PSNI.
Police received a number of reports at around 12.40am on Saturday that three men, believed to be council workers, had been attacked by two unknown males while working in the city centre.
“Officers spoke with all three of the injured men, who had been punched to the face and neck, with one of the men also sustaining an injury to his hand,” said Inspector Knowles.
“It was reported that an unknown male had approached the council workers and began being verbally abusive towards them, before physically assaulting them.
“He was then joined by a second, unknown male, who also physically assaulted the men.
“One of the suspects was described as being of slim build with blond hair and was wearing a grey tracksuit.
“All three injured men subsequently attended the hospital for treatment to their injuries.”
He added: “I would urge anyone who may have been in the area and witnessed this to come forward and assist us with our enquiries, which are ongoing.”