An Irish amateur boxer says he is 'lucky to be alive' after undergoing surgery for serious neck and facial injuries he sustained in an assault in Belfast city centre.
Middleweight prospect Caoimhín Hynes is reported to be recovering in hospital, after 'he was assaulted by a number of males wearing track suits,' according to a police statement on the incident.
Belfast Live reports that Hynes was with his girlfriend when an altercation took place in the early hours of Monday morning which resulted in Hynes getting slashed on the cheek.
His coach Michael Hawkins from the Holy Trinity boxing club told the BBC that Hynes underwent two operations for his wounds and said the injury was 'just an inch or so away from the main artery.'
Hynes has posted a number of updates on his Facebook account, documenting his recovery from the attack.
WARNING: The image below contains graphic content.
The full PSNI statement reads:
"Shortly before 2.50am police received a report of an ongoing altercation involving a number of people in Donegall Place. A 20-year-old male sustained a wound to his cheek after he was assaulted by a number of males wearing track suits. He is currently in hospital receiving treatment.
"Detective Inspector Paul Rowland is appealing for anyone who was in the area of Donegall Place and who witnessed an altercation or anyone who has any information that can assist with the investigation to contact them at Musgrave Police Station."
20-year-old Hynes recently won gold at the Montana Belts multi nations tournament in Paris, and is expected to compete at next year's Commonwealth Games in Australia.
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