Man beaten to death during 'gang attack' in Belfast

Police in the North have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man during a gang attack in west Belfast early this morning.

The 30-year-old victim was attacked by a group of men armed with hatchets and machetes at a house in Fallswater Street shortly before 2.30am.

The assault took place in front of his young children and pregnant wife, who was injured during the incident.

As they left, the gang also smashed up the family’s jeep.

This morning’s incident is believed to be the latest in a series of attacks on the family, who are understood to be members of the Travelling community.

The police have cordoned off the house and are looking for a large, dark-coloured vehicle spotted leaving the scene of the assault.