Woman critical following hammer attack

A woman was fighting for her life in hospital today after she was attacked in her home with a hammer.

Gardaí discovered the 31-year-old at a house in Ladyswell Road in Blanchardstown, north west Dublin, this morning.

She was taken by ambulance to the James Connolly Memorial Hospital, where her condition was described as critical.

Gardaí who found the woman were responding to a report of an assault shortly after 10am.

It is understood she had been beaten with a hammer while sleeping.

A 39-year-old man was arrested and taken to Blanchardstown Garda station.

He can be held for up to 24 hours under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

The house was sealed off for a forensic examination.

Gardaí said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.