A couple targeted by 'paedophile hunters' have been subjected to paramilitary style attack.

POLICE have warned self-styled paedophile hunters about identifying suspects online after two men were attacked in their home by loyalist paramilitaries.

The couple were forced to flee the property in north Belfast at the weekend after being targeted by the South East Antrim UDA.

The men were treated in hospital for their injuries after being attacked by three men wielding baseball bats.

The masked gang also smashed windows in the house.

One sustained cuts to his head while the other was treated for cuts and a broken arm.

The attack came less than 24 hours after one of the men - who denied any wrongdoing - was confronted on his doorstep by individuals representing a so-called 'paedophile hunter' group, named "Predator Catchers NI."

The groups pose as teenagers online and exchange sexual messages with people they suspect of grooming before confronting them on camera and posting the 'stings' on social media.

They also alert police if evidence is gathered.

It is known that police have sent a number of files to prosecutors based on evidence provided by self styled ‘paedophile hunter’ groups.

However concerns have been raised about such groups' tactics after a Co Antrim man took his own life last August shortly after being confronted by one.

Earlier this week a car belonging to a family, who were wrongly identified by one of the groups, was vandalised with obscene graffiti sprayed on the vehicle.

The Irish News also reported last week that a Belfast man was mistaken for a suspected sexual predator after a vigilante group named a person with the same name on their Facebook page.

Detective Chief Inspector David McBurney of the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch said last night that in recent months there had been a rise in incidents involving such groups operating in Northern Ireland.

"We are also aware of a number of incidents following these hunter group ‘stings’, he said.

The senior officer said it was the role of "the PSNI to deal with those allegedly involved in this type of crime and the subsequent investigations".

"Those involved in this type of vigilante behaviour aren't in a position to ensure safeguarding issues are addressed and their actions could have a detrimental impact on the criminal justice process."

He said any groups "motivated to help safeguard children" should bring information immediately to police and warned against meeting up with suspects and sharing footage of 'stings' online.