Northern Ireland

Man assaulted in paramilitary-style attack in north Belfast

A paramilitary-style attack in north Belfast exemplifies "how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence," according to police.

Police said that at around 10.20pm on Sunday four men wearing balaclavas tried to enter a house in Loughview Terrace off the Shore Road.

"When they could not gain entry to the property they started to break the windows with what is believed to be metal bars. The male occupant of the house escaped and made his way to the Shore Road area, where the assailants caught up with him and assaulted him," the PSNI said. 

Detective Sergeant Sam McCallum said while the man's injuries were not life threatening "this was a brutal and horrific attack".

"It is yet another example of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence."