The PSNI believe an attack on an Eastern European man in Belfast during which he was beaten by a gang armed with a hammer and baseball bats was racially motivated
The 51-year-old man was attacked by the gang of up to seven men in his home in the Donegall Road area.
The gang smashed their way through the front door and smashed windows and attacked the occupant with a hammer.
The gang, who all had their faces covered with masks, were also believed to have been responsible for the smashing of windows in two houses in neighbouring streets.
The victim was treated in hospital for an arm injury.
Police said they believed there was a racial motive for the attacks and stressed they were determined to get those responsible for such crime before the courts.
"We will not tolerate crimes of this nature, but we need the help and support of the local community," Superintendent Ken Eccles said. "They must come forward and demonstrate that they will not allow this to happen. We must work together to make South Belfast a multi-cultural society and safer place in which to live."
