An early morning assault lead to five arrests in Nanaimo on Friday.
Mounties responded to a 911 call shortly after 6 a.m. from a residence on Nicol Street.
Police were told two men had knocked on the door of the home and when one of the occupants answered, the men pushed their way past him, pepper sprayed him and then punched him in the head.
Police said one or more women might also have been involved.
The victim fought his attackers and managed to push them back out the door.
One of the suspects was known to the residents, who provided descriptions of the other suspects. Investigators found them at a nearby hotel just before 7 a.m. where they apprehended five suspects.
Three suspects were later released, but police are recommending charges of assault with a weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon against a 33-year-old man from Ladysmith and a 30-year-old man from Quesnel, who remain in custody.
The victim of the assault was taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and treated for the effects of pepper spray.