Elderly attack victim in serious condition

An elderly man was in serious condition in Cork University Hospital today after he was attacked in Cork city centre in the early hours of the morning.

Gardaí were investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and launched an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

The 67-year-old man from the northside of Cork city was found lying in a pool of blood on the footpath at the corner of Princes Street and Patrick's Street at approximately 3am.

An ambulance was immediately called and he was taken to Cork University Hospital where he was being kept in the cardiac intensive care unit.

A hospital spokeswoman said today: "He remains in a serious condition, but he is not critical."

It is understood that the man received blows to the head during the incident.

Gardaí believe that the man was with a group of people when the incident occurred.

Gardaí do not believe that an implement or weapon of any kind was used in the attack.

The scene of the attack, which took place outside the Oasis shop on Patrick's Street, was cordoned off shortly after the man was found and the scene was immediately preserved.

Two gardaí remained at the scene until technical experts arrived this morning to carry out a forensic examination.

A garda spokesman stated: "We would be appealing for anyone who saw anything unusual near Oasis on Patrick Street around 3am to come forward."

If you have any information, contact Anglesea Street garda station on [phone].