A 22-year-old man was viciously assaulted after being pulled inside a van and his hands and feet tied up in Strabane, Co Tyrone on Thursday night.
The man was walking in the Carlton Drive area at around 11pm when a grey van pulled up alongside him and he was pulled inside the vehicle. A hood was placed over his head and his hands and feet bound.
The van was then driven some distance out of the town before stopping and a vicious assault being carried out on the young man by a number of men.
The man was then driven back to the town and left in Bradley Way just before midnight. He sustained some serious injuries during the ordeal including a large gash to the head and a suspected broken arm.
Possible paramilitary involvement
One line of enquiry being investigated by the PSNI is possible paramilitary involvement. Detectives in Strabane are investigating the incident and are appealing to the local community in helping identify the attackers.
The PSNI said while the man’s injuries are not life-threatening, “this was a horrifying attack that will have had a major impact on the victim and his loved ones”.
“There can be no justification for criminal groups carrying out such brutal attacks, attempting to control communities through fear and violence,” a statement from the PSNI said.
Anyone who would prefer to provide information anonymously can do so through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
