05 May 2024 , 15:25
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A man has been taken to hospital following a serious assault in a car park in Bushmills, County Antrim in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The man in his 20s was found nailed to a fence, with a nail through each hand, shortly after midnight.
Two vans, one belonging to the injured man, were found on fire in the car park near Dundarave Park.
Graffiti on nearby public toilets has been linked to the assault and arson.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the man was left with potentially life-changing but not life-threatening injuries.
Det Insp Lyttle said: "This was a sinister attack. We live in a democratic society where there is no justification for this. Those responsible brutalise their own communities and control others through intimidation and violence."
Crews from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) also attended the scene and extensive damage was caused to both vehicles.
’Especially appalling’
Alliance North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland said: "The nature of this attack was especially appalling. There is no place for this violence in Bushmills, North Antrim or anywhere else in Northern Ireland."
TUV leader and local MLA Jim Allister expressed his "dismay at the gruesome and cruel attack carried out in the village".
The PSNI is appealing for any witnesses or those who may have dashcam footage to contact them.