Police in west Belfast have carried out a number of raids while searching for a firearm.
A number of live bullets were recovered from the scene of an assault in the Beechmount Avenue area yesterday.
A man in his 20s was struck with a hammer at around 5.45am and a second man is said to have pulled out a handgun and attempted to fire it.
Bullets fell from the gun and the victim managed to flee the scene.
Yesterday the PSNI armed response unit carried out a number of raids on properties in the Beechmount Avenue and Cavendish Street areas of west Belfast.
No arrests were made and the firearm has still not been recovered.
Police said at the time of the incident: "It was reported that at approximately 5.45am (Wednesday) a male, aged in his 20's, was struck with a hammer by another male whilst another male, armed with a firearm, stood close by. The victim then fled from the scene.
"The male has been taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries which are not believed to be life threatening at this stage.
"I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or anyone with any information on this incident to contact police on 101 quoting reference 272 22/04/20".
