POLICE PROBE OVER ‘BRUTAL AND HORRIFIC’ BASEBALL ATTACK ON MAN

A MAN has been attacked with baseball bats in a paramilitary assault in east Belfast.

Shortly before 10pm, police were called to a report of four males forcing their way into the victim’s flat at Strone Park in Dundonald.

Once inside the property, they assaulted the man, aged in his 20s.

Before fleeing the property, the gang smashed a number of windows and daubed graffiti on a wall.

The victim attended hospital for treatment to his injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening.

Police described the attack as “brutal and horrific”.

“It is yet another example of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence,” said a police spokesman.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or anyone who has information which may assist police enquiries, to contact Detectives at Lisburn Criminal Investigation Branch on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1398 27/11/17.

“Alternatively, 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.”