A man has had a rope placed round his neck and another was attacked with a wheel brace during a violent attempted car theft in Co Down on Tuesday night.

Police confirmed four people have since been arrested after the incident in Crossgar.

The PSNI said the victims, both in their 20s, were in a vehicle which was pulled into a layby on Killyleagh Street when two men appeared from a nearby alleyway and got into the rear of the car.

The pair began assaulting the vehicle’s occupants with a wheel brace, with one of the victims also having a rope placed around his neck.

The incident happened at around 9.15pm.

Following a struggle, the victims managed to get out of the car, however their assailants followed and the attack continued on the street.

As the assault was underway a female got into the vehicle and attempted to drive it away.

At the same time a second female armed with a screwdriver emerged from the adjacent alleyway making threats.

All four suspects then made off, with one of them stealing a mobile phone from the vehicle as they fled.

Responding police were able to locate and arrest four suspects shortly after the time of the report and seize two knives, a wheel brace and a screwdriver.

Two men, aged 33 and 21, and two women aged 35 and 43, were detained on suspicion of a number of offences including assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

They have since been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.

Police have appealed for witnesses to contact 101, and quote reference number 1721 of 08/10/24.

News Catch Up: Wednesday 9 October