Man seriously injured after masked gang armed with bats launch early-morning assault in Co Antrim

A man has been left with serious injuries after being attacked by a group of up to eight masked men armed with bats outside a property in Ballyclare in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police are appealing for witnesses and any CCTV or dash-cam footage as detectives investigate what they have described as a violent assault that has left the victim with both significant physical injuries and lasting psychological trauma.

The attack happened at around 12.40am on Sunday, 12 July, in the Thornhill Drive area of the town.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital after suffering serious injuries to his leg, head, wrist and arms.

‘No one deserves to be attacked in this way’

Detective Inspector Gallagher condemned the attack, saying:

“At approximately 12.40am this morning, Sunday 12th July, we received a report that a man had been assaulted outside a property in the Thornhill Drive area of the town.

“It’s understood that the man, aged in his 30s, was assaulted by up to eight masked men armed with bats.

“The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries caused to his leg, head, wrist and arms.”

He added:

“Those responsible for this attack have shown a complete disregard for human dignity and the rule of the law.

“This attack has also left the victim with lasting physical and psychological trauma – no one deserves to be attacked in this way. There is no justification for this violence.”

Police appeal for witnesses and footage

Detectives are urging anyone who witnessed the assault or who has information that could help identify those responsible to come forward.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV or other video footage from the Thornhill Drive area around the time of the attack.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 64 of 12/07/26.

Reports can also be made online via the PSNI appeals page or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.