In a shocking incident in Northern Ireland, a man in his 20s was discovered with his hands nailed to a fence, each hand pierced by a nail, in an attack that also saw two vans set on fire.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) received a distressing report after midnight regarding the incident. When officials arrived on the scene and found the victim, they promptly transported him to the hospital. 

The man’s injuries were assessed as non-life threatening and he was treated by medical staff.

Police who were present at the scene also reported seeing two vans at the nearby car park on fire. One of the vehicles was revealed to be owned by the man who was attacked, according to the Daily Mail.

The PSNI issued a statement condemning the "sinister attack," that left the 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,” the PSNI said.

“'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,” the statement continued. 

The PSNI also explained that the assault took place in a residential area in Northern Ireland, with several holiday lets nearby, potentially populated with visitors over the bank holiday weekend.

“We are asking anyone who noticed anything or who may have dashcam footage to contact us urgently on 101 or confidently to Crimestoppers,” law enforcement concluded in the statement.