A man was left with ‘life-changing injuries’ after he was nailed to a fence by his hands.
He is now being treated in hospital for his wounds, as well as for injuries to his nose.
The ‘sinister attack’ happened in a residential area of Northern Ireland over the bank holiday weekend.
Police said the ‘serious assault’ was reported shortly after midnight on May 5, when the man, in his 20s, was discovered with a nail through each hand against the fence.
Two vans including one belonging to the injured man were on fire at the public car park near Dundarave Park where it happened, with extensive damage to both vehicles requiring action from firefighters.
Graffiti found on a nearby wall of public toilets is being linked to the assault and arson.
Detective Inspector Lyttle said: ‘This was a sinister attack which has left this man with potentially life-changing injuries. Everyone has the right to live their life free from the threat of violence and this brutal attack by people who violate the human rights of others must be universally condemned.
‘We live in a democratic society where there is no justification for this. Those responsible brutalise their own communities and control others through intimidation and violence.
‘This happened in a residential area with a number of holiday lets which would be busy during this bank holiday weekend and we are asking anyone who noticed anything or who may have dashcam footage to contact us urgently.
‘Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information, including dash-cam or other footage, to contact police.’ (Metro)