DETECTIVES are investigating an assault in west Belfast which left a man hospitalised after being struck by a hammer.
The incident took place in the Beechmount Avenue area yesterday at 5.45am.
Police received reports that the man, who is in his twenties, fled the scene after being hit by his attacker while a second man armed with a gun stood close by.
PSNI Detective Sergeant Corrigan said: "The male has been taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries which are not believed to be life threatening at this stage."
He appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
