A man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after he was near Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church around 1:15am on Sunday.

“I utterly condemn this vicious assault, which has shocked the local community,” said Councillor Campbell.

“My thoughts are with the man hospitalised following the attack and I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.

“I urge anyone with information or who may have video footage linked to the attack, to contact the PSNI with it immediately.”