A man has been attacked by a gang armed with weapons in the Ballymurphy Road area of West Belfast on Monday morning.
A PSNI officer also had to use a spray to bring a crowd under control when police were called to the scene.
The victim was reportedly set upon as he got out of a vehicle which had been surrounded by people.
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The vehicle was then stolen and was later found in Springhill Gardens.
PSNI Detective Sergeant Alexander said: "Shortly before 2am, officers received and responded to a report of a man having been attacked by a group of people when he exited the vehicle in which he was travelling, after it was surrounded a number of individuals.
"It was reported that he was assaulted with weapons, sustaining wounds to his back and shoulders.
"The vehicle was taken, and later located in the Springhill Gardens area."
The man was taken to hospital for his injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening.
"Upon arrival of police, a number of individuals behaved in a disorderly manner towards officers, and following several attempts to bring calm to the situation, it was necessary for an officer to deploy an incapacitant spray in an attempt to bring the incident under control.
"Our enquiries to establish the circumstances of this incident are continuing, and we are appealing to anyone who may have information which can assist us, to get in touch.
"The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 115 of 27/02/23."
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