Bushmills: man released as investigation into assault on man ‘nailed to fence’ continues

The 37-year-old had been in custody after being arrested in the Bushmills area in connection with the investigation into the incident in which a man was ‘nailed’ to a fence in the early hours of Sunday, May 5.

Police say their enquiries into the assault are continuing and anyone with information that could help them is asked to contact 101, quoting reference 13 05/05/24.

In an earlier appeal, Detective Inspector Lavery said: “A search was also carried out at a residential premises in the Bushmills area as part of the ongoing investigation, with a number of items seized and taken away for further forensic examinations.

"Our investigation remains ongoing regarding this sinister assault, in which a man in his 20s was discovered ‘nailed’ to a fence with a nail through each hand.

"This barbaric attack has been widely condemned and we would continue to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information, including dashccam or other footage, to contact police on 101 quoting reference 13 5/5/24.”

After the incident on Sunday, police said that two vans including one belonging to the injured man were discovered on fire in the public car park near Dundarave Park. NI Fire and Rescue Service crews attended the scene and extensive damage was caused to both vehicles.

Police said on Sunday that graffiti found on a nearby gable wall of public toilets is being linked to the assault and arson.