DETECTIVES are investigating a hate crime after a number of Romanian men were attacked by a gang on Sunday night.

They have appealed for witnesses following the aggravated burglary in the Hollybank Drive area of Monkstown in Newtownabbey.

It was reported that at around 8.20 pm a number of males forced their way into a house in the area and assaulted the occupants with baseball bats.

The five male occupants sustained a number of injuries as a result of the incident.

One of the males was taken to hospital for treatment.

It is understood the victims of the attack are originally from Romania.

Detectives are investigating a hate motive for the incident and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact Detectives in Antrim on 101 quoting reference 965 06/01/19.

Alternatively information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.