Police in Northern Ireland are appealing for information after a man was serious assaulted in Holywood, Co Down in the early hours of this morning.
Five men wearing dark clothing and balaclavas and armed with baseball bats and pickaxe handles forced their way into a house in Firmount Crescent in the town shortly after 12.40am.
The victim, a man in his early 40s, sustained serious injuries to his head and leg. He was taken to hospital where his condition is described as serious. Another man in the house received injuries to his knee but did not require hospital treatment.
The attackers fled the scene in a blue BMW car.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the PSNI on 0845 600 8000. Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.