Police in Northern Ireland arrested two men in connection with a serious assault on a man in Holywood, Co Down in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The men, one in his 50s, the other in his 30s, were released on bail pending further investigations.
Five men wearing dark clothing and balaclavas and armed with baseball bats and pickaxe handles forced their way into a house in Firmount Crescent in Holywood shortly after 12.40am yesterday morning.
The victim, a man in his early 40s, sustained serious injuries to his head and leg. He was taken to hospital where his condition is described as serious but not life-threatening. Another man in the house received injuries to his knee but did not require hospital treatment.
The attackers fled the scene in a blue BMW car.
Police are working to establish a motive for the attack but have ruled out any paramilitary involvement.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the PSNI on 0845 600 8000. Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Meanwhile, two men were assaulted in the Castlewellan Road area of Banbridge, Co Down, at approximately 1.40am this morning.
Aged 23 and 24, they were treated in hospital, one for serious facial injuries. A 19-year-old man was arrested and released pending further inquiries.
Detectives appealed for anybody with information to contact them.
Separately, a 20-year-old man was stabbed when he tried to break up a fight in the Havana Way area of north Belfast at around 3am this morning.
His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Additional reporting: PA