A man in his 20s has been left with potentially life-changing injuries after a brutal assault in a car park in Bushmills, County Antrim. The man was found nailed to a fence with a nail through each hand in the early hours of Sunday morning. Two vans, one belonging to the injured man, were also found on fire in the car park near Dundarave Park.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has described the attack as "sinister" and said paramilitary involvement is one key line of inquiry. Graffiti on nearby public toilets has been linked to the assault and arson.
Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the incident bears the hallmarks of a paramilitary-style attack and that the local community is shocked. "We thought these kind of incidents were firmly in our past," he said.
The attack happened in a residential area, but also near holiday lets, and it was a busy bank holiday weekend. About 20 people in mobile homes and camper vans were woken up by the sound of banging and blue lights in the early hours.
International visitors and Northern Ireland guests expressed shock at what they witnessed, in a village known for its tourist attractions. One camper van owner, Jackie, said she saw the fire and hoped it wasn't related to the campers. A nurse among the campers tried to help the injured man.
Causeway Alliance councillor Alderman Richard Stewart described the attack as "horrific" and said the local community is in deep shock. TUV leader Jim Allister expressed his dismay at the "gruesome and cruel attack".
The PSNI is appealing for any witnesses or those with dashcam footage to contact them. The man's injuries are potentially life-changing but not life-threatening.
This incident has raised concerns about paramilitary activity and violence in the area. The PSNI is working to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of the community.
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