Man suffers serious injuries in attack by gang armed with bats

By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

A man has suffered serious injuries after he was assaulted by a masked gang armed with bats in Co Antrim.

Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following the incident in Ballyclare on Sunday.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “At approximately 12.40am this morning, Sunday 12th July, we received a report that a man had been assaulted outside a property in the Thornhill Drive area of the town.

“It’s understood that the man, aged in his 30s, was assaulted by up to eight masked men armed with bats.

“The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries caused to his leg, head, wrist and arms.

“Those responsible for this attack have shown a complete disregard for human dignity and the rule of the law.”

The victim has been left with lasting physical and psychological trauma, police said.

The spokesperson added: “No one deserves to be attacked in this way. There is no justification for this violence.

“Anyone who witnessed what happened or has information that could help with our enquiries is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 64 12/07/26.”