Three men were arrested and later released in connection with a Christmas Day robbery and assault of two elderly brothers at their isolated farmhouse near Castlewellan, Co Down.
The RUC said the men were released pending further inquiries. The brothers, aged 67 and 73, were badly beaten in the attack at Church Road outside Castlewellan, which a local MLA, Mr Eamon O'Neill (SDLP), said appeared "vicious and gratuitous".
The younger of the brothers was released from hospital but the elder man was still being treated at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, last night.
He suffered a fractured skull and cheekbones, cuts and bruising. A hospital spokesman said he was in a "satisfactory" condition.
Police believe at least three men were involved in the assault. They covered their faces with scarves during the robbery.
Detectives said that because of the vicious nature of the assault, the gang's clothing must have been quite heavily stained.
Police sources think that there was local involvement in the attack. It is understood that £900 was stolen from the brothers.
Mr O'Neill said people in Castlewellan were shocked at the brutality of the attack. "There was a vicious, almost gratuitous element to the assault because the brothers put up little or no resistance," he said.
"This is the first time that I can recall that anything like this has happened in Castlewellan. It is a very sorry affair when two elderly people are beaten up in such fashion. The community is very upset about this," Mr O'Neill added.
He said people were particularly aggrieved that locals may have been responsible. Mr O'Neill urged elderly people to be alert and careful about allowing anyone into their homes, and for the general community to be mindful of their vulnerable neighbours.
