Man fights for life after attack outside supermarket

A 26-YEAR-OLD Midleton man is fighting for his life after being attacked by a number of people outside a supermarket in Cork city centre.

The man, who was believed to have been accompanied by his girlfriend, was reportedly involved in a verbal argument with some people inside the Centra shop near’s Finn’s Corner on Grand Parade, around 2.20am yesterday. According to Superintendent Barry McPolin, who is leading the investigation, the row escalated and then spilled out onto the street.

Gardaí believe he was assaulted by a group of several people, possibly including women.

During the attack, the man fell to the pavement which caused him further head injuries.

Gardaí, on patrol in the area were swiftly on the scene and summoned an ambulance crew who rushed the man to the Mercy University Hospital.

His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to Cork University Hospital where he is understood to be in a critical condition, in intensive care.

Supt McPolin confirmed the man was suffering from serious head injuries.

No arrests were made at the scene but the superintendent confirmed gardaí were following a definite line of inquiry.

However, he added that gardaí would still appreciate help from any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time.

As part of the investigation gardaí are studying CCTV footage from the Centra supermarket, along with other shops in the area and also from their own city-centre cameras which are monitored from their headquarters at Anglesea Street Garda Station.

“We are anxious to speak to anybody who was in the general area of the Centra supermarket from 2.15am to 2.45am, especially people who may have seen the incident take place,” Supt McPolin said.

A special incident room has been set up at Anglesea Street Garda Station.

Anyone with information can contact Anglesea Street Garda Station at [phone], the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.