Man's leg broken with hammers

A 23-year-old man is in hospital with leg fractures after being attacked with hammers in a paramilitary-style punishment attack…

A 23-year-old man is in hospital with leg fractures after being attacked with hammers in a paramilitary-style punishment attack in Downpatrick, Co Down, on Saturday night. An RUC spokeswoman said the man was beaten by three masked men who forced their way into a property in Kennedy Square in the town while a fourth man stood guard.

Another man is described as "seriously ill" in hospital after being found with injuries to his head and body in the Great Victoria Street area of central Belfast on Saturday night. Police have not yet identified the man who is believed to be in his mid-30s.

An RUC spokesman said they were keeping an open mind as to the motive for the attack. Meanwhile, a man in his mid-20s was shot in the left leg and left hand in the Mersey Street area of east Belfast on Friday night. The attack is being blamed on loyalist paramilitaries.

Police have arrested a number of people following a fire in a hotel in Warrenpoint, Co Down, on Sunday morning. The premises were seriously damaged and two people had to be treated in hospital.