Reveller seriously hurt in late-night multiple assault

GARDAÍ have appealed for witnesses to come forward after a serious assault on a man triggered a wave of attacks in a crowd of up to 120 late-night revellers.

The 23-year-old man sustained serious head injuries in the incident on Cork’s Grand Parade at around 2.50am yesterday.

The injured man, who is from Carrigaline, was rushed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital amid fears for his life. However, gardaí confirmed yesterday that his injuries are not life-threatening.

Supt Barry McPolin, who is leading the investigation, said that the incident was captured on CCTV cameras.

He said detectives are following certain lines of enquiry, but he appealed for witnesses to come forward.

“This was a serious but isolated public order incident and we are anxious to talk to individuals who may have witnessed the initial incident, or who may have been assaulted themselves or injured in the incidents immediately afterwards, to come forward in confidence and talk to us,” he said.

The incident flared on the plaza around the landmark Berwick Fountain — a popular gathering spot for late-night revellers — just before 3am. It appears two men were involved in a verbal altercation which escalated. The 23-year-old man was attacked and suffered a serious head injury.

That triggered a spate of assaults among between 120 and 150 people who had been gathered in the area. Those incidents lasted up to two minutes and a number of people were assaulted and injured.

Gardaí monitoring the CCTV system at Anglesea St Garda headquarters saw the violence unfold and they alerted units on the ground.

Dozens of gardaí rushed to the scene and took control of the situation.

A number of people were taken to the Bridewell Garda station, where they were interviewed.

The scene was subjected to a full technical examination by scenes of crimes experts. A number of items have also been sent for forensic analysis.

Supt McPolin said CCTV played a key role in allowing gardaí to respond to the incident quickly and in identifying two suspects. Detectives are now pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.

Anyone with information should contact Anglesea St Garda station on 021-4522 000 or the Garda confidential line on 1800-666111

Meanwhile, a man assaulted during a “melee” on a city street in Waterford on Thursday morning was yesterday in a stable condition in hospital after sustaining head injuries.

The incident took place on Wellington Street and involved a number of people aged in their 40s and 50s.

One of those involved is alleged to have been struck on the head a number of times with a hammer. He was brought to Waterford Regional Hospital where he was reported to be in a “critical” condition on Thursday night.

Gardaí said yesterday, however, that his condition was stable.

One man was arrested following the incident but was later released without charge. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.