A serious hatchet assault on a man in Belfast city centre last night is believed to have been sectarian, the RUC said.
The victim is being treated in hospital for head injuries, a deep cut on his arm and other injuries.
An RUC spokesman said the man was attacked by three men who pulled up alongside him in a red car as he was walking along the Broadway at 3 a.m.
It is reported that one man hit him with a baseball bat, while another struck him with a hatchet. Another car then arrived, carrying four men who joined in the attack. Both cars then drove off towards the Broadway roundabout.