A man was found pinned to a fence in a car park in Bushy Mills, County Antrim, in an attack that sparked widespread condemnation.
The victim, aged in his 20s, was found in the Dundarave Park area with nails on both hands and an injury to his nose. He was taken to hospital for treatment early Sunday morning.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service staff were called to the scene after two lorries, one belonging to an injured man, were found on fire nearby. Graffiti on the walls of nearby public toilets is thought to be linked to violent attacks and arson.
About 20 tourists in campers and mobile homes were reportedly in the area at the time of the attack.
Some locals have said privately that they hold loyal paramilitaries responsible.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the victim of the “brutal” and “sinister” attack suffered life-changing but not life-threatening injuries.
The PSNI also said the involvement of paramilitary forces was one of the areas of inquiry it was investigating.
As part of the police investigation, it is appealing for anyone with information or footage to contact them.
Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton told the BBC: “This type of crime and violence will not be tolerated in a peaceful community and must be condemned.”
Local politicians said people were shocked by what happened.
Unionist MLA Sian Mulholland told a local radio station that lynchings will no longer be allowed in Northern Ireland by 2024.
“If people do have concerns, the police and the justice system are the avenues we have to follow,” she said, “otherwise we’re in the wild west.”
Local Heritage Alliance MP Jim Allister said: “It is the legitimate authorities who deal with illegal behaviour. Mob rule has no place in our society.
The last time a similar attack was reported was more than 20 years ago.
In 2002, a 23-year-old man from west Belfast was found “crucified” with both legs broken in a loyalist area in the south of the city. Harry McCartan had to undergo surgery to remove splinters of wood left in his hands after a 6-inch nail was inserted.
