Gardaí appeal for witnesses to Mullingar assault

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to an attack in Co Westmeath, which has left a man in a critical condition.

The 19-year-old was assaulted in Mullingar just before 7pm yesterday evening.

Gardaí said he was attacked by a group of youths while walking in Ginnel Terrace in the town.

It is understood the victim was hit across the head with a slashhook and suffered serious injuries.

He was rushed to Mullingar General Hospital and later transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, where his condition is being described as critical.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the attack to contact them.

There have been no arrests to date - but gardaí say enquires are ongoing