Two youths have been arrested in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, following a racially motivated assault that occurred on Monday afternoon. The incident took place in a parking lot on Forest Hills Parkway, where a family was targeted.

According to the RCMP, three youths followed a man, a woman, and their two children to their vehicle. During this encounter, the youths shouted obscenities and used racially charged language. The situation escalated when one of the youths sprayed an irritant in the man's face.

After the assault, the suspects fled the scene. However, on Tuesday, while assisting Halifax Regional Police with another call in Dartmouth, the RCMP apprehended two of the youths involved in the incident. Police also seized a can of the irritant used in the attack.

Both youths face serious charges, including possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and assault with a weapon. Additionally, one of the youths has been charged with failure to comply with a release order. They appeared in Halifax provincial court on Wednesday and were released under certain conditions.

The RCMP emphasized their commitment to addressing hate-related incidents, stating, "The RCMP takes incidents of hate with the utmost seriousness." The investigation into the incident continues as authorities work to ensure community safety.