A MAN in Northern Ireland has been left traumatised after he was attacked by three masked intruders who burst into his home and battered him with a hammer.
Mark Piff was attacked as he lay in bed at his flat in Dungiven, Co Derry just before midnight this past Thursday, June 18.
Mr. Piff has been left fearing for his life following the incident, which police are treating as a racially motivated hate crime.
Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle, Mr. Piff said he believes he was targeted “soley because of the colour of his skin”.
“I don’t want to go out anymore after the beating I have been given,” he added.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have described the incident as an aggravated burglary.
“This was a vicious attack on a defenceless man in his own home,” Detective Inspector Peter McKenna said:
The attackers have been described as "white males in their mid-twenties with local accents”.
All three were wearing scarves over their faces.
Originally from England, Mr Piff, works in Dungiven but is now considering moving out of the area.
Sinn Fein councillor Sean McGlinchey is appealing for help in locating the three attackers.
Mr McGlinchey said a number of local residents have been left outraged by the assault, and was keen to stress that Mr Piff “has the full support” of locals.
Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
