Victims group highlights rise in assaults

The number of assaults and personal attacks increased during the first half of this year, according to Victim Support.

The group did not reveal the extent of the increase, but said it responded to almost 3,000 crime victims between January and June.

Assault accounted for 22% of these cases, with young men the most common victims.

Lillian McGovern, chief executive of Victim Support, blamed alcohol for most of the attacks.

"Drink almost certainly has played a significant role in this, with Ireland now placed in the top 10 for alcohol consumption," she said.