Gardaí make plea over gang who set Polish man on fire

The final movements of a Polish man set on fire by a gang of youths are being traced by gardaí.

Officers in Limerick tonight launched a fresh appeal to catch the perpetrators of the vicious attack.

The 35-year-old arrived at a friend’s house in the early hours of Sunday morning in a distressed state suffering from burns to his face and hands.

It is understood a flammable liquid was thrown on the man as he made his way back to Fr Russell Road in the city after a night out.

He was rushed to Limerick Regional Hospital and later transferred to Cork Regional Hospital where he is being kept in a specialist burns unit where he is making a good recovery.

Gardaí said they have now spoken to the injured man and are satisfied that the incident took place just after 2am on the Dock Road in Limerick, between the Texaco garage and the Castlemungret Roundabout.

“The circumstances giving rise to the man’s injuries are unknown at present and gardaí are conducting an investigation to determine the facts and establish the location where the injuries were suffered,” said a garda spokesman.

“It is known that the man left Fr Russell Road at about 7.30pm on the previous evening to socialise in the city centre.

“It is not known what establishments he may have frequented. He is believed to have been alone.

“We are now appealing for public assistance in establishing the man’s movements for the remainder of the night up to the time he returned to his friend’s house.”

Gardaí are in particular appealing to anyone who may have seen this man possibly walking to Fr Russell Road via Dock Road or Dooradoyle in the period between 1am and 2.15am on Sunday morning.

It is believed that motorists' stopped their car to talk to the man prior to the incident.

Anyone with information, or who recognises the victim, are urged to come forward.

The injured man is of average height, a strong build, was clean shaven and has short hair with a receding hairline.

On the night of the attack he had been wearing brown shoes, light blue jeans and a black jacket with the logos Speed Force, Dynamite Motion, and Motor Cycle COPF on the back.

The jacket also has two white stripes across the upper back, with two of the logos repeated on its front.

“We also appeal for information in relation to any suspicious activity which anybody may have noticed which may assist our investigation,” added the spokesman.

Any information can be passed to the Gardai at Roxboro Road garda station on 061 214340.