Bushmills: Man 'nailed to fence' attack being investigated as possible 'paramilitary-style assault'

8 May 2024, 10:41 | Updated: 8 May 2024, 13:31

Police investigating an incident in Northern Ireland in which a man was nailed to a fence have said it may be a "paramilitary-style assault".

Police were called to a report of an attack just after midnight on Sunday morning, in Bushmills, County Antrim.

Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) found a man with a nail through each hand attached to a fence.

The victim of the "sinister" and "brutal" attack was left with potentially life-changing injuries, the force said.

Nearby, in a public car park near Dundarave Park, two vans - including one belonging to the victim - had been set on fire.

Officers also said that graffiti on the wall of public toilets was believed to be linked to the attack.

In an update, the PSNI told Sky News it is investigating the attack as a potential "paramilitary-style assault".

Detective Inspector Lavery said: "Our investigation remains ongoing in relation to this sinister attack, with a paramilitary-style assault line of enquiry being investigated.

"Police continue to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information, including dash-cam or other footage, to contact police."

The victim, a man in his 20s, also suffered injuries to his nose and was taken to hospital. His condition was not said to be life-threatening.

The attack took place in a residential area where there were a number of holiday homes. The village is also known for the distillery which makes the world-famous whiskey.

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Alliance MLA for North Antrim Sian Mulholland previously described the attack as "especially appalling".

"My first thoughts are with the victim of this serious assault," she said.

She added: "The nature of this attack was especially appalling and has left the victim with potentially life-altering injuries.

"It is not acceptable under any circumstances to brutally assault someone in this manner and I hope the man makes a full recovery.

"There is no place for this violence in Bushmills, North Antrim or anywhere else in Northern Ireland."

TUV leader and North Antrim MLA Jim Allister condemned the incident, saying there was no place for mob rule.

"I express my dismay at the gruesome and cruel attack carried out in the village," he said.

(c) Sky News 2024: Bushmills: Man 'nailed to fence' attack being investigated as possible 'paramilitary-style assault'