A passer-by was shocked to discover a man lying on the roadside after he was beaten with a suspected bar-like weapon.
The victim, thought to be in his 40s, had 'significant injuries' and was missing some of his clothes.
He rushed to hospital after being found in the village Tyan, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, at around 9.30am today.
Police have now put out an appeal for information while the man is treated by doctors, BelfastLive reports.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Inspector Kerr said: “A passer-by made a report to the NI Ambulance Service around 9.30am today saying that they had come across an individual lying at the side of the road with significant injuries.
"He was taken to hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.
“The man, who we believe is in his early 40s, had suffered significant bruising - consistent with having been beaten with an implement such as an iron bar. He had also had a number of items of clothing removed.
“We are trying to establish a timeline as to ascertain exactly what happened and I am appealing to anyone who may have any information that could assist us with our enquires to contact us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 797 of 18/7/21."
To file a police report online click here or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online here.
It comes after homes and apartments in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, were evacuated this morning following a blaze at a block of flats.
Police believe the fire was purposely set and are treating the incident on Pegasus Walk as "arson with intent to endanger life
They said they were alerted to the fire by Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service around 9.30am on Sunday, July 18.
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Detective Sergeant Stewart said: "We received a report by colleagues from the NIFRS of a fire at a block of flats at around 9.30am.
"Residents in nearby houses and flats had to be evacuated, however no one was injured during the incident.
"This fire could have resulted in serious injuries, even loss of life and could easily have spread to the adjoining properties.
"We are treating this as arson with intent to endanger life and I am asking anyone with information, or who noticed any suspicious activity around that time, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 811 of 18/07/21."
