Man rushed to hospital after 'savage attack' in Co Antrim

A man has been rushed to hospital after being attacked with a hammer during a robbery in Ballymena.

Three masked men broke into the house in Lanntara during the early hours of Tuesday and assaulted a man in his thirties with the hammer and a metal bar.

He sustained injuries to his head and arm and was taken to hospital by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

Two women in the house also received minor injuries during the incident, which police have branded 'savage'

Two men aged 34 and 45 were later arrested and remain in police custody.

Detective Sergeant Lenaghan said: "When leaving, the assailants smashed windows at the property.

"Two men have since been arrested, aged 35 and 45, on suspicion of aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, and they both remain in custody this nothing.

"This was a savage attack for which there is no justification and we are working to establish a motive. We believe it also linked to a report at 00:20am where windows of a property in the same area were also smashed. No injuries were reported.

“I want to appeal to anyone with information which could help our investigation to call us on 101 and quote reference number 59 of 14/04/20. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."