Pickaxe handles used in ‘brutal’ paramilitary attack

A man in his 20s has been injured in what police say was a “brutal” paramilitary-style attack carried out by three masked men in Newtownabbey.

The victim was assaulted while walking in the Green End area shortly before 11.55pm on Saturday.

Those responsible are believed to have used pickaxe handles to inflict injuries including suspected fractures to the young man’s hand and knee.

He had to be taken to hospital for treatment.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Julie Mullan said: “This was a brutal attack on a man in a residential area.

“Those involved do not represent the interests of the local community and contribute nothing to it.”

Police are appealing for witnesses, or anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area, to contact them on 101 - or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.