Northern Ireland

UVF blamed for Larne sledgehammer attack

Sinn Féin representative Oliver McMullan says the UVF has reorganised in east Antrim
Sinn Féin representative Oliver McMullan says the UVF has reorganised in east Antrim Sinn Féin representative Oliver McMullan says the UVF has reorganised in east Antrim

THE UVF has been blamed for a brutal attack on a Co Antrim man at the weekend.

Sinn Féin representative Oliver McMullan last night claimed that the loyalist group was behind the savage attack and said the organisation has reorganised in the east Antrim area.

The victim suffered life changing injuries after being beaten with sledgehammers in the Woodvale area of Larne on Sunday.

His screams were heard as the attackers made their getaway.

The victim, who is in his 20s, suffered serious injuries to his arms and legs.

Police described it as a paramilitary style attack and have appealed for information.

Mr McMullan last night claimed that the UVF was responsible and said the loyalist group has been reorganising and retraining in east Antrim in recent months with its leadership based in the Monkstown area of Newtownabbey.

He also claims that the organisation in Larne is involved in the supply of illegal drink and cigarettes and runs illegal drinking 'dens'.