PSNI Bushmills investigation launched after man found ‘nailed’ to fence

The police have launched an investigation after a man was found ‘nailed’ to a fence.

The victim of the serious assault was discovered in Bushmills, Co Antrim in the early hours of today with a nail through each hand, the PSNI said in a statement issued on Sunday.

Police say that shortly after midnight, “it was reported that a man had been discovered ‘nailed’ to a fence with a nail through each hand”.

Read more: Four arrests after woman assaulted and windows broken at two properties

They added: “The man, aged in his 20s, also had injuries to his nose and is being treated in hospital where his condition is described as not life-threatening.

“Also in the public car park near Dundarave Park, two vans including one belonging to the injured man were on fire. Crews from NI Fire and Rescue Service also attended, extensive damage was caused to both vehicles. Graffiti found on a nearby gable wall of public toilets is being linked to the assault and arson.”

Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton told BBC NI: "This was a really shocking incident with levels of, almost, ultra violence."

"We thought these kind of incidents were firmly in our past.

"It's early days and we are keeping an open mind, but this incident bears all the hallmarks of what we would see as paramilitary-style attacks, so that will be one key line of inquiry."

Detective Inspector Lyttle said: “This was a sinister attack which has left this man with potentially life-changing injuries. Everyone has the right to live their life free from the threat of violence and this brutal attack by people who violate the human rights of others must be universally condemned.

“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.

“This happened in a residential area with a number of holiday lets which would be busy during this bank holiday weekend and we are asking anyone who noticed anything or who may have dashcam footage to contact us urgently on 101 or confidently to Crimestoppers.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information, including dash-cam or other footage, to contact police on 101 quoting reference 13 of 5/5/24.”

The police added that people can also submit a report online using their non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

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