DETECTIVES are appealing for information following a suspected paramilitary style assault north Belfast in the early hours of  this morning, Thursday, August 15.

The brutal attack happened at Hartwell Place in the New Lodge area.

Detective Inspector Kerry Brennan said: “Shortly before 2:25am, it was reported that two masked men approached a man in his 30’s in the area armed with baseball bats.

“The man was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg, after being assaulted in the area.

“This was a vicious and brutal assault, in which there is no justification for this type of attack.

“We must all work together to bring those responsible to justice and stop this from happening to anyone else.

“Enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone with any information to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 116 15/08/19.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”