Masked men smash their way into two homes in Co Antrim

A number of masked men armed with iron bars and hammers forced their way into a property on Victoria Road in Larne shortly before midnight last night and assaulted the two male occupants, both aged in their 20s.

One of the men sustained a suspected fracture to his arm and the second man sustained head injuries. Both men remain in hospital receiving treatment for their injuries.

Meanwhile, detectives in Ballymena are appealing for witnesses following a similar incident at a flat on Main Street, Broughshane during the early hours of this morning.

A number of men armed with a sledge hammer forced their way into the property shortly before 12.30am. The male occupant of the property escaped through the rear door of the property and raised the alarm. He was unharmed during the incident.

The men ransacked a number of rooms in the property before making off.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity to contact police. Information can also be given anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.