Hammer attack victim suffers fractured skull

A 28-year-old man was recovering in hospital today after suffering a fractured skull in a vicious paramilitary-style attack.

The man was in a house at Movilla Mews, Newtownards, Co Down, around 8pm last night when four men burst in and beat him with hammers and clubs.

A 29-year-old woman who was in the house at the time suffered facial injuries.

The victim was taken to the Ulster Hospital where his condition was described as stable.

The woman was also treated in hospital but was later released.

A police spokesman said that all four men were in their 20s and had shaven heads.