Teenager critical after gang beating

An 18-year-old youth was critically ill in hospital in Belfast today after being viciously attacked, beaten and stabbed in the west of the city.

The teenager was walking along the Stewartstown Road with a group of friends when a gang of around 20 men attacked them.

The youth suffered serious head injuries and a stab wound to the stomach.

Several of his friends were also injured, but not seriously, said the RUC.

Police appealed for information from anyone who saw the attack which happened soon after 3.00am on Sunday morning.