Boys attacked by gang of up to 50 youths
A hammer may have been used to assault one of the four in what has been labelled an "unprovoked" attack.
Police say four boys have been set upon by a gang of 30 to 50 youths in Portrush.
The reported assaults happened at East Strand beach in Portrush yesterday evening (May 15).
Three of the young men were punched, one was pushed into the sea, and one was attacked with a metal object which might have been a hammer.
It is alleged the incident unfolded after the smaller group refused to engage in a fight.
Inspector Stephen McCafferty said: “Four teenage boys were on the East Strand beach around 7.30pm last night. They were approached by a group of between 30 and 50 other young people who suggested they fight.
“When the four boys refused and turned away, they were set upon by members of the larger group. Three were punched in the face. One sustained a cut above his eye, another fell to the ground and was beaten around the head with what we believe was possibly a hammer or other metal object.
"The third was then pushed into the sea and an attempt made to hold his head under the water. Another of the friends was hit by a bottle on the shoulder.
“This was an unprovoked and vicious attack on four young people - and we are appealing to anyone who saw what happened to get in touch with police. We believe the incident took place about halfway along East Strand beach. The perpetrators were said to be wearing dark tracksuits and they spoke with Belfast, Ballymena and Derry accents.
“Anyone with any information should call police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference number 1723 of 15/5/21, or submit a report online using our 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/. “