A man in his 20s has suffered a collapsed lung, puncture wounds and fractures following a sledgehammer gang attack at a Co Antrim home.
Up to six masked men are reported to have caused the injuries at a house on Lisheegan Road, Rasharkin on St Patrick's night.
Police were told they entered the property around 11.45pm and attacked the male occupant, while a woman in her 50s was held down on the floor.
The male victim has puncture wounds to his arms and legs as well as number of fractures and a collapsed lung and is being treated in hospital, while the woman suffered bruising to her face.
Detective Inspector McKenna said: "This attack, which bears all the hallmarks of a paramilitary style assault, was absolutely barbaric and has left a young man in hospital with horrendous injuries today.
"The physical injuries will hopefully heal with time but this incident will likely affect both victims for a very long time. There is no place in our society for such attacks and we are now working to establish a motive and to find those responsible.
"I would ask anyone with any information about this incident which could assist us with our enquiries to contact detectives in Coleraine on 101 quoting reference number 1731 17/03/20."
Details can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
