A man is seriously ill in hospital today after he was beaten with hurleys and stabbed in north Belfast.
The victim, who is in his early 30s, was targeted at his home in Eskdale Gardens, Ardoyne shortly before 3am.
A police spokesman said: "When the man answered the door the two attackers asked for him by name before beating him with hurley bats and dragging him down the driveway, where he was stabbed."
The victim is being treated at the city's Mater Hospital where his condition is described as serious.
Detectives have yet to discover a motive for the brutal attack and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
The suspects are in their late teens to early 20s.
SDLP Deputy Mayor of Belfast Pat Convery condemned those responsible for the savage assault.
Mr Convery said: "This was a wicked and fierce attack.
"Those responsible were intent on causing serious injury.
"I am very clear anyone who carries a knife is intent on doing serious damage.
"Unfortunately we have all seen the fatal consequences of knives across Belfast and those responsible put a man's life in great danger last night as they stabbed him."
The Deputy Mayor added: "I also find it disgraceful that in a weekend that showcases the best in Gaelic games with the All Ireland finals, there are low-lives in this city who are using the hurley stick as a weapon of destruction. That is shameful."