Youth goes on run after four stabbed in drinking row

GARDAÍ are hunting a youth after a drink-fuelled row led to four people being stabbed, one of whom is in a serious condition after undergoing emergency surgery.

The incident, which is understood to have involved at least eight people aged between 17 and 20, occurred at 6.30pm yesterday at Hollyhill Lane in Knocknaheeny, Cork city.

It is understood a number of young men, some of whom are known to gardaí, had been drinking in a car park beside a local off-licence when an ongoing row escalated into violence.

One of the young men is believed to have taken out a knife after attempts to calm the situation failed, and lashed out at other members of the group.

During the assault the youth stabbed four of the drinkers, one of whom suffered a number of wounds to the stomach.

All four were taken to Cork University Hospital. While three are in a stable condition, the fourth remains in a serious condition after having emergency surgery last night.

Gardaí in Knocknaheeny and Gurranabraher have asked anyone with information to contact them immediately.

Officers have arrested two other individuals for public order offences linked to the drinking session.

Gardaí say the sunny weather yesterday meant a large number of people may have seen the group during the course of the day, and are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen unusual behaviour between 6pm and 6.30pm yesterday.

Contact Gurranabraher garda station on 021 4946200 or the garda confidential line: 1800 666111.