Gang ‘forced man to eat ear’
News of the assault broke yesterday with reports that the man was set upon by a gang wielding a hammer and a metal bar in Newbridge, Co Kildare, and that during the assault the gang cut off the man’s ear and forced him to eat it.
People in Kildare heard details on local radio where a garda was quoted as apparently confirming the facts.
A Garda spokesman later confirmed that detectives in Newbridge were investigating a “serious assault” on a 21-year-old male in the town at 1am on Monday.
He said it wasn’t yet clear where the assault took place, but that local gardaí believed it happened near Eyre Street, which runs parallel to Main Street. There are a number of laneways off Eyre Street.
“During the course of the assault part of the man’s ear was severed,” said the Garda spokesman. “He also received a number of other injuries to his face, leg and head.”
It wasn’t clear whether the man had in fact been forced to eat part of his ear.
It is understood the man has not so far co-operated with investigating gardaí and that he discharged himself from hospital after receiving a number of stitches.
Local gardaí say they know the victim well and are eager to investigate all the details of the assault.
It is not clear whether a hammer or iron bars were used in the attack. Garda sources said apart from the ear injury, the other injuries received by the victim were “minor”.
It has also been reported that local people came to the man’s aid when they heard the assault, but their assistance was refused.
Gardaí are conducting door-to-door inquiries at houses and apartments in the area and also near local shops.
It is understood detectives are following a definite line of inquiry.
“The matter is under investigation,” said the Garda spokesman said. “There are no arrests and this stage and gardaí are appealing for witnesses.”
Anyone who saw anything, or anyone, suspicious in the area in the period before 1am is asked to ring Newbridge on 045-431212.
