Man critical after vicious attack

Police are treating the incident as attempted murder

A man is critically ill after he was beaten round the head in north Belfast.

The 24-year-old was attacked as he walked along North Boundary Street towards the Shankill estate at about 0230 GMT on Sunday.

Police are treating the incident as attempted murder.

A BMW car pulled up next to the man and a passenger got out. He beat the victim round the head with an object.

He also attacked a woman who was with the victim, hitting her across the face.

Police said they had not yet established a motive for the attack and appealed for witnesses.

Inspector Nigel Goddard said it was a vicious assault.

"This gentleman was the victim of a sustained, vicious and what appears to be an unprovoked attack," he said.

"He was hit on the head with an as yet unidentified weapon and fell to the ground.

"As a result of this, this gentleman has received serious head injuries and was taken to a local hospital where at present his condition is described as critical."