DETECTIVES are appealing for information and witnesses following the report of a vicious assault on Saturday evening, October 2.

It was reported to police at around 10:50 pm, that a man in his 30s had been assaulted by a group of masked men armed with baseball bats in the Cherry Walk area of Carrickfergus.

Detective Sergeant Lyttle said: “This was a particularly vicious attack as the men repeatedly hit the victim with the bats around the head, legs and chest.

“He was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries which includes possible fractures to his face and legs.

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed this assault, or has information they think could assist this investigation, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1972- 02/10/21.”

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.