Limerick teen fights for life after vicious assault

An 18-year-old Limerick man was fighting for his life in hospital today following a vicious weekend assault.

Darren Coughlan from Moyross suffered serious head injuries when he was attacked by a gang of youths last Friday night.

The teenager was savagely beaten by at least three people who jumped out of a car on the Old Cratloe Road near the Limerick Institute of Technology.

It is understood he was chased by the mob before he was cornered and was repeatedly kicked about the head as he lay on the ground.

A spokesperson for the Health Service Executive said he was in a critical condition today at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick.

Gardaí declined to speculate today on a motive for the attack but they confirmed that statements were taken from a number of youths who were with the victim moments before he was attacked.

“We would also appeal to any other witnesses who were in the area who have not already come forward to now do so. This was a particularly serious assault and all possible lines of inquiry will be explored,” said a garda spokesman.

Anyone with information on the assault is asked to contact Mayorstone garda station at 061 456 980.