Gardaí appeal for witnesses to 'suspicious' fire in Offaly

At 1.50am today Gardaí were alerted to a house fire at Cloncur, Rhode, County Offaly.

On arrival Gardaí discovered a 24 year old male with extensive burn injuries and a number of stab wounds to his body. This man is currently in a critical condition at St James Hospital in Dublin.

An incident-room has been set up at Tullamore Garda Station and a conference has taken place.

House to house inquiries are currently taking place in the Rhode area.

A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed and is liaising with the family. The scene is currently preserved for technical examination.

This afternoon Inspector Kieran Keyes, Tullamore Garda Station, issued the following appeal, "I am appealing for witnesses or anyone with information, particularly those who may have been in the Rhode area of County Offaly last night or early this morning, between 12pm and 2am September 7 to contact Gardaí at Tullamore Garda Station on 057-9327600, The Garda Confidential Line, 1800 666111 or any Garda Station."