DETECTIVES investigating the report of an aggravated burglary during whichA  man was struck on the head with a hammer believe it was carried out by loyalist paramilitaries.

The brutal attack happened in the early hours of this morning, Friday, August 23, in Ballyclare.

Detective Sergeant Coulter said: “We received a report around 12:45 am that NIAS were attending to a man who had sustained head injuries after he was struck on the head with a hammer by one of a number of males who had forced entry to his home in the Kellburn Park area.

“It’s believe this occurred sometime between 12.25 am and the time the incident was reported to police.

“The man, who sustained head injuries, remains in hospital in a stable condition.

“This was a vicious assault on a man in his own home, a place where everyone has the right to feel safe.

“We are currently treating this as a paramilitary style attack.

“I want to appeal to anyone who was in the Kellburn Park area between 12:20 am and 12:50 am this morning and saw any suspicious activity to call us on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference number 73 of 23/08/19.”

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.