A MOTHER and two men were subjected to a "vicious attack" in south Armagh yesterday morning, an SDLP MLA has said.
The woman, her young child, her male relative and another man were visiting a site in Cullyhanna where a new house is being built when they were attacked by three men holding a shovel and a wheel brace.
When the woman warned the attackers her young child was in the car, they smashed the windows, showering the child with glass.
It is understood at least one of the three adults was treated for serious bruising and broken bones.
A spokeswoman for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said a man remained in a stable condition in Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry last night. The other man and woman were treated at the hospital but were later discharged.
It is understood the attack was not sectarian. Police said they are investigating.
SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty, who has spoken to the victims, said they had been left "extremely traumatised" by the attack.
"This vicious assault can never be justified or rationalised and the victims are at a complete loss as to why they were targeted," he said.
He added: "An attack like this is beneath contempt and reminds us of the worst days of our past. This community is rightly appalled and we all hope that the PSNI are successful in apprehending those responsible.
"I appeal to anyone in the local area who has any information which may assist the police with their inquiries to come forward with it without delay."
