DETECTIVES are hunting a gang after a chip van owner was hit with a hammer and doused in flammable liquid.

He did not require hospital treatment but the van, which had been parked at Main Street in Carrowdore, Co Down, was smoke damaged.

The suspects, three men aged in their 20s and wearing hooded tops, fled on foot after the attack which happened at about 7.30pm last night.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Snoddy has appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He said: “I would ask anyone who knows anything about this incident to contact CID at Newtownards police station on the non emergency number 101.

“Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”