A 17 year old youth was blindfolded and beaten with iron bars in a "punishment" attack in west Belfast early today. The victim had just arrived at his home in the Woodside area of Poleglass when he was grabbed by an eight strong gang claiming to be from the IRA.
The victim was treated for a fractured right leg and severe lacerations to both legs.
So far this year, 224 "punishment" beatings have been carried out.