DETECTIVES have charged a man with trying to kill a former UVF prisoner who is being treated in hospital for multiple fractures after he was attacked earlier this week in a pub.

The 27-year-old is due before Belfast Magistrates’ Court later today at a first remand hearing to face a number of charges.

He has been charged with the attempted murder of Darren Moore and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Detectives have been investigating the serious assault on Moore at McConnell’s bar licensed premises on Main Street in Doagh on Wednesday 15th March.

Detective Sergeant Robinson said: “At around 6 pm, a group of males entered the bar armed with a number of weapons including hammers and baseball bats and assaulted a man aged in his 40’s.

“We believe that the males then left the scene on foot to waiting cars and left the area.

“The man was taken to hospital following the assault where he remains receiving treatment for serious but non-life threatening injuries.

“Follow up enquiries and searches have led to the arrests of six men aged between 24 and 38 who all remain in custody at this time.

“Our investigation is ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the assault or the group of males in the area of the bar or anyone with any information which could assist police with our enquiries to contact detectives in Antrim on 101 quoting reference number 982 15/03/17.

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

Five of those arrested have now been released on police bail pending further inquiries by detectives.

A seventh man, aged 34, was arrested on Thursday night by detectives over the murder bid.

He remains in custody at Musgrave PSNI station for ongoing questioning.

Around five years ago Moore was attacked in the New Mossley estate and ended up in the Royal Victoria Hospital with broken arms and legs.