������̳

Three men arrested in connection with a serious assault in Whiteabbey, County Antrim, have been released on bail.

Earlier on Monday, police said the victim was in a critical condition in hospital.

The incident, on the Shore Road, was reported just after 01:15 GMT on Sunday.

Two men, aged 28 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm on Monday, along with a third man, aged 36.

He was arrested on suspicion of assisting offenders and withholding information concerning an arrestable offence.

On Monday night, police said all three men had been released and were assisting them with inquiries.

Police have appealed for information and video footage linked to the attack.

Part of the Shore Road in Whiteabbey, at the junctions of the Old Manse Road and the main Shore Road, was closed for much of Sunday but has since reopened.

Officers investigating the assault conducted a search in the grounds of Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church.

As a result of the cordon, the church's Sunday morning service was held online.