Garda appeal after shopping centre assault

GARDAÍ are appealing for witnesses after a serious assault in Portlaoise, which left the victim with facial injuries bleeding heavily from his mouth.

The man was brought to hospital by ambulance following the shocking incident, which happened at Laois Shopping Centre on James Fintan Lalor Avenue last week.

While gardaí say they are following a definite line of inquiry, they are still appealing for witnesses as the investigation continues.

According to passers-by, the man aged in his mid-30s was assaulted by a group of youths sometime between 6pm and 7pm on Monday 16 June.

Concerned shoppers rushed to help the man and tried to use towels to stem the blood flowing from his face and mouth. He was treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics, before he was taken to Portlaoise hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

It is understood that the man was with a child when he was attacked by youths in an unprovoked assault.

Witnesses or anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station at 057 8674100.