A 59-year-old man has been taken into police custody following a violent assault in Newtownards on Wednesday, 7th January.

The incident occurred in the Blenheim Drive area, where it is reported that a man in his 60s was attacked with a hammer outside a block of flats. Emergency services were alerted to the report at approximately 12:35pm. The victim sustained head injuries during the assault and was subsequently transported to hospital, where he remains for treatment.

Police confirmed that the 59-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence. Sergeant McLaughlin stated: "We received a report at approximately 12.35pm this afternoon, Wednesday 7th January, that a man aged in his 60s, had been assaulted in the Blenheim Drive area. It's understood the suspect assaulted the victim outside a block of flats with a hammer. As a result of the attack, the man sustained injuries to his head. He was transported onto hospital for treatment– and remains there at this time. A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence. He is currently in police custody as enquiries continue into the circumstances of what happened."

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the attack or who possesses information that could assist with the ongoing investigation to contact them.

Sergeant McLaughlin added: "Anyone who witnessed the assault or has information that could help enquiries, is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference number 520 07/01/26."

You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/