Police in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim were today investigating two serious assaults in separate overnight attacks.
In one incident in Ballyduff a man was beaten so badly by baton-wielding men he was left with a suspected broken leg and a broken arm.
The victim (46) was set upon by a gang of four men on Ballyfore Walk at about 12.40am today.
He is being treated in hospital. The attackers are believed to have run off in the direction of Fairview Road.
In a separate incident, a 38-year-old man was seriously assaulted outside his home at Briar Court in the town.
It is understood he was attacked by two men as he was about to enter the house shortly before 1am this morning. He is being treated in hospital for serious head injuries, said a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokeswoman.
The two attackers are believed to have fled the scene in a small red car. Police at Newtownabbey have appealed for anyone with information on either assault to get in contact.