Bushmills, County Antrim – Police in Northern Ireland are investigating potential paramilitary connections in the wake of a horrific attack that left a young man severely injured. The victim, in his twenties, was discovered with nails driven into both hands and facial injuries in the Dundarave Park area. He was swiftly taken to the hospital for urgent treatment early on Sunday.
Following the attack, two vans, including one owned by the victim, were found ablaze nearby. The Northern Ireland fire and rescue service responded to the scene, also uncovering graffiti on a nearby public toilet wall that seemed linked to the violent assault and subsequent arson.
Approximately 20 campervan and mobile home visitors were believed to have been in the area when the attack occurred. Local sources, speaking anonymously, suggested that loyalist paramilitaries may be behind the disturbing incident.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) condemned the attack as “brutal” and “sinister,” noting that the victim sustained life-altering but not life-threatening injuries. The PSNI stated that they were exploring potential paramilitary involvement as part of their ongoing investigation and urged anyone with relevant information or video footage to come forward.
Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton expressed outrage at the violence, emphasizing that such criminal behavior could not be tolerated in a peaceful community and must be unequivocally condemned. Local politicians echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law and avoid resorting to vigilante justice.
This recent incident reignites memories of a similar attack over two decades ago in 2002, when a 23-year-old man in west Belfast was subjected to a similarly brutal assault. The historical context underscores the need for swift and effective action to address such violence and uphold the principles of justice and peace in Northern Ireland.