Man beaten with hammer as gunman stood by in republican district of Belfast
Detectives are investigating after getting a report that a man was assaulted with a hammer in republican-dominated west Belfast.
It happened at 5.45 this morning in the Beechmount Avenue area of west Belfast when the victim, a man in his 20s, was struck by the weapon by a male assailant.
Meanwhile another male, armed with a firearm, stood close by.
The victim then fled from the scene.
He has been taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries which are not believed to be life threatening at this stage.