34 year old man attacked by masked gang with hammers in East Belfast

Q Newsdesk

A 34 year old man's been taken to hospital after being attacked by a masked gang with hammers in East Belfast.

The attackers broke into a flat in the Abbey park just after 8 last night.

The victim suffered injuries to his head and legs.

A teenage boy was also inside at the time but wasn't injured.

A police spokesperson said:

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following the report of an aggravated burglary at a flat in the Abbey Park area of east Belfast last night, Friday 26 October. 

It was reported that sometime between 8pm and 8.30pm a number of masked men forced their way into the property and assaulted the male occupant with hammers.  The 34 year old man was treated in hospital for injuries to his head and legs.  A 16 year old boy who was also in the flat at the time was not injured.

Detective Sergeant Gardiner is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact detectives at Musgrave on 101, quoting reference 1241 26/10/18.  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.