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Man seriously injured by armed robbers in ‘brutal’ Belfast burglary

A man has been assaulted with a gun and left with potentially life-changing injuries during a “brutal” burglary in east Belfast.

Two armed men forced their way into the property in Gibson Park Gardens on Friday and attacked the man, beating him on the head with a pistol before attempting to tie his hands with cable ties.

The victim suffered a number of facial injuries, including a black eye, and has deep cuts close to his other eye where his glasses were smashed into his face.

He was also kicked in the chest.

The attackers ransacked several rooms in the house and left with a number of items and a sum of cash.

The victim, who lost a substantial amount of blood in the attack, managed to flee the scene while the two men were still in the house and was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the attack, which began around 8.30pm.

Detective Sergeant Corrigan said the victim’s injuries could be life-changing.

“One of the two attackers is described as being 6ft tall, with a shaved head and wearing a hi-vis coat,” he said.

“The other was slightly taller with short, ginger hair.

“This was a brutal, vicious attack that could leave the victim with life-changing injuries.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw two men acting suspiciously to get in touch with detectives as soon as possible on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1254 of 7/12/18.”

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.