Gardaí probe coma incident

GARDAÍ have appealed for help following a possible assault on a Carlow man who has been in a coma for almost two weeks.

They are desperately trying to piece together whether he was the victim of an assault or simply fell.

Francis Kavanagh was found with wounds to his head on Tullow Street, close to the hub of Carlow town almost two weeks ago.

Mr Kavanagh was found slumped on a footpath in the early hours of June 27. He was taken to St Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny but was later transferred to Dublin’s Beaumont Hospital where he remains in a coma and on a life support machine.

Gardaí are anxious to contact one man who anonymously phoned them about the incident later that morning. The caller left no further details.

The only contact gardaí have made since the incident is with two people who helped a doctor at the scene. Officers probing the possible assault are keen to talk to three other people who they believe may be vital witnesses.

Gardaí have appealed to them or to anyone else who may have information to come forward. Investigating officers can be contacted on: (0503) 31505.