A man has tonight been charged with attempted murder following a vicious hammer attack in south Belfast at the weekend.
Mr Maurice McCracken (54) remains in a critical condition in hospital after a gang of four men hit him repeatedly on the skull with a hammer while he lay in bed with his wife.
Mr McCracken was one of three people attacked in Strangford Avenue in the exclusive Malone area of south Belfast as a hammer-wielding gang of robbers went on the rampage.
A neighbour suffered a fractured skull while his father, a man in his eighties, was struck on the wrist.
Police said tonight three people are now being questioned in connection with the attacks in addition to the man who had been charged.
The accused is due to appear in Belfast magistrates court tomorrow morning facing nine charges.
He is accused of attempted murder; assault occasioning actual bodily harm; two charges of aggravated burglary; two of causing grievous bodily harm with intent; taking and driving away; dangerous driving and driving while unfit.
The gang seized a number of cars from their victims during their late night rampage.
PA