The son of Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan was beaten and seriously injured when he was attacked by a gang armed with metal bars and tools early today.
The 23-year-old suffered serious head and body injuries. He was taken to the Mater Hospital in the city for treatment but may be moved to the Royal Victoria Hospital which has a specialist neurosurgery unit.
Police have not given any details of a motive for the assault but detectives will be looking at any link to the work of his mother, who heads a high-profile police watchdog body.
The victim's father, Declan O'Loan, is also a nationalist SDLP councillor in Ballymena, Co Antrim. Police said the attack happened at Hillview Court in the Oldpark Road area between 3.30am and 4.30am.
They have appealed for any witnesses to contact Antrim Road station.
PA
