A man has been assaulted by a number of masked men at his home in Carryduff.

The incident occurred at about 02:00 on Wednesday morning when the 32-year-old answered a knock to the door of his Alveston Park home and was confronted by a man with a scarf obscuring his face.

The man punched the victim a number of times in the face. A second masked man then struck him on the side of the head with a piece of wood.

He fell to the ground and was punched and kicked a number of times.

The assailants then made off in the direction of Killynure Road where they were joined by a third male who had been waiting across the street throughout the assault.

The first male is described as around 6' tall wearing a blue top with the hood pulled up, dark bottoms and a dark scarf which covered his face.

The second is described as around 6' tall of medium build, wearing a dark hooded top and dark bottoms, with a scarf covering his face.

The third male is described as being of large build and was again dressed in dark clothing with a scarf obscuring his face.

Detectives are keen to hear from witnesses or anyone with information. They can be contacted at Castlereagh CID by calling 0845 600 8000.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

(IT/MH)