DETECTIVES are appealing for information following the report of an aggravated burglary in the Whitewell Road area of Newtownabbey last night.

Police say that just before 8 pm on June 26 officers received a report that three men aged 44, 25 and 22 years were assaulted by three other men, one of which was believed to have been carrying an iron bar.

All three were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that aren’t believed to be life threatening.

A short time later police arrested two men aged 21 and a 22 year old man in the same vicinity.

They are currently assisting police with their enquiries.

A hate crime is one of the lines of enquiry.

Detective Sergeant Dolores Black said, “I appeal to anyone with any information about this incident to contact detectives in Musgrave on 101.

“Information can also be passed anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”