A 16-year-old youth was attacked in what appears to have been a punishment-style attack in Strabane, Co Tyrone, on Saturday night.
Six to eight men broke into his family's home at Knockavogh Crescent and took him into the back yard where they systematically beat him with sticks. The youth sustained broken bones and bruising to his head and body.
The RUC had no indication of any motive.