Three arrested after separate baseball bat attacks - file to PPS

In east Belfast, three people were arrested after a group of men assaulted a man in Paxton Street around 10.20pm on Sunday, while the Coleraine attack took place in Glenvara Drive shortly before 8pm.

Commenting on the Paxton Street assault, PSNI sergeant Jenny Foster said: “We received a report at around 10.20 pm that a man had been assaulted by a group of men armed with baseball bats a short time earlier. The man suffered injuries to his face, arms and his chest.

“Three men aged 20, 25 and 31 were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon.”

Sgt Foster added: “Our enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who may have seen a silver Renault Megane in the area at the time, or anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information which may assist our investigation to call us on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference 1646 of 19/04/20.”

The three suspects were released from custody on Monday afternoon and a file is being sent to the Public Prosecution Service.

A PSNI spokesman said police were also appealing for information in relation to the Coleraine attack.

“Sometime between 7.30pm and 8pm, it was reported that a number of men assaulted a man in his 20s who was out walking. The men, who had their faces covered were armed with baseball bats.

“The man then made his way to a nearby property in the area, when he was taken to hospital for his injuries to his legs and arms. This was a brutal attack for which there is no justification.”

The spokesman added: “We are treating this as a paramilitary-style attack and I want to appeal to anyone who has information which may assist our investigation to pick up the phone and tell us what you know.

“If you have any information which may assist with our enquiries, please contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 1518 19/04/20.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

East Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton has described the Paxton Street attack as a “brutal and disgraceful incident”.

He said: “At a time when the whole community is facing huge coronavirus health challenges that thugs are prepared to carry out such a violent attack is unbelievable. The thugs are adding to the burden on the NHS.

“There are tremendous acts of community support and kindness currently ongoing across the east of the city. This awful act of violence stands out in stark contrast from all the acts of community decency and support.”