A MAN has been treated for burns after having a substance believed to be acid thrown over him during an attack.
The victim was assaulted by several people at a property in the Chancellors Hall area of Newry shortly before 2.50am on Sunday.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "He was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries, which include burns and a suspected broken arm.
"A Volkswagen car, which is believed to possibly have been linked to the incident, was later discovered burnt out in the Fort Hill Road area."
Police have appealed for witnesses to contact them.
Newry and Armagh SDLP MLA Justin McNulty described the incident as "extremely sinister and very concerning".
"Attacks of any kind should be highly condemned, but pouring acid onto somebody requires planning and shows real malice. We have seen in the past the impact these attacks can have on victims, many suffer severe injuries and are left with mental and physical scars that may never heal," he said.
"My thoughts go out to the victim of this attack who is currently recovering in hospital after suffering burns and a broken arm. I hope they go on to make a full recovery after what must have been an extremely frightening ordeal. We do not want to see incidents like this in our city and it’s important that we show anyone involved in attacks of this nature will be dealt with firmly."
Newry Sinn Féin councillor Roisin Mulgrew said: “Whilst details are still emerging about this incident, what is known has shocked the community.
"This type of attack can kill or permanently disfigure a person, and anyone carrying out such an act needs to be apprehended and removed from our streets."