By Q Radio News
Four teenage boys have been assaulted by a group of between 30 and 50 young people in what police have described as an "unprovoked and vicious" attack on a beach in Portrush.
The teens were approached on East Strand beach at around 7.30pm last night, by the gang who suggested they fight.
When the boys refused, they were set upon.
Police say three were punched in the face; one sustained a cut above his eye and another fell to the ground and was beaten around the head with either a hammer or metal object.
The third was then pushed into the sea and an attempt was made to hold his head under water.
Another of the friends was hit by a bottle on the shoulder.
Inspector Stephen McCafferty said, "This was an unprovoked and vicious attack on four young people - and we are appealing to anyone who saw what happened to get in touch with police.
"We believe the incident took place about halfway along East Strand beach.
"The perpetrators were said to be wearing dark tracksuits and they spoke with Belfast, Ballymena and Derry accents."
Meanwhile, local MLA Cara Hunter described the attack as "sinister" and deeply concerning.
She told Q Radio she will be contacting police about this incident and the increase in anti-social behaviour on the North Coast:
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