Andrew Carey
andrew@limerickpost.ie
A MAN in his 50s is being treated for serious head and facial injuries following a vicious attack in Limerick after he was targeted during an altercation between two factions on the northside of the city.
The victim was said to be in serious condition at the University Hospital Limerick this Sunday night following a savage knife attack.
It is understood that the victim suffered extensive injuries after he was attacked and slashed in the face with a large machete type knife shortly after 7pm on the Shanabooly Road in Ballynanty.
Witnesses are being sought but it is understood that a street brawl broke out amongst two large groups that had gathered in the area amid tensions created following the release from prison of a number of known criminals.
The victim and a BMW car were targeted in the vicious assault that left the male in his 50s with head and body injuries.
Reports that a chainsaw was used in the attack are still under investigation as are claims that the victim was using a sword to defend himself.
Ambulance paramedics arrived and immediately treated the victim and once his condition was stabilised, he was taken to the University Hospital Limerick for further medical treatment and evaluation.
Gardai in Mayorstone made a number of arrests and a large garda patrol presence remains in the area in the wake of the violent attack.
Chief Superintendent Dave Sheahan said that gardai investigating are following definite lines but “we have a number of patrols in the are and we will maintain a highly visible presence in the area for a number of hours to calm and quell tensions”.
Investigations and house to house enquiries are ongoing.
