A man in his 20s was discovered ‘nailed’ to a fence in Bushmills.
The man also had nose injuries and is being treated in hospital where his condition is described as not life-threatening.
Detectives are appealing for information following the serious assault which occurred in the early hours of Sunday (5 May) shortly after midnight.
Police say that the man was found with a nail through each hand.
Also in the public car park near Dundarave Park, two vans including one belonging to the injured man, were on fire. Extensive damage was caused to both vehicles.
Graffiti found on a nearby gable 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 on 101 or confidently to Crimestoppers.
“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 on 101 quoting reference 13 of 5/5/24.”
Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.