Police in Northern Ireland are appealing for witnesses following separate assaults in Cos Antrim and Down this morning.
Shortly after 6am a man was assaulted by another man in a garage forecourt in the North Road area of Ballymena, Co Antrim.
The victim was taken to hospital where his condition is described as being serious.
The attacker is believed to have been wearing a “distinctive” white T-shirt that he may have discarded.
Police are appealing for anyone who finds a white T-shirt in the area not to touch it and to contact them.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the incident.
Earlier in Co Down up to five people were assaulted by two men in the Ballynoe Road area of Downpatrick at 1.10am.
Police say two men aged 32 and 33 have been arrested in relation to the incident.