Police in Belfast are hunting for a gang who tied up a man last night and beat him in what is believed to be a sectarian attack.
The man (27) was alone in the house in Newtownbreda Road in the south of the city when four or five men forced their way in at about 8.30pm.
A PSNI spokeswoman said the attackers, at least one of whom was carrying a gun, were wearing masks or balaclavas.
They attacked the victim with hammers and batons before ransacking the house. They then dragged him into the garden and assaulted him again before making off in a silver Mercedes.
The victim managed to free himself and was taken to hospital where his injuries are not said to be life-threatening.
Police have appealed for anyone with information about the robbery to contact them.
The spokeswoman said a sectarian motive for the attack has not been ruled out.