A teenager was arrested following a frightening incident that occurred in Portlaoise in the early hours of Sunday evening.
Just before 6pm on Bull Lane, a man aged in his 20s was walking when he was set upon by a group of five individuals.
It is understood that the group were attempting to rob a backpack that he was carrying and in the course of the scuffle, the man was slashed in the face with a knife.
A passer-by witnessed the attack and bravely intervened – ultimately saving the man’s life in the process.
The passer-by broke up the group and saved the victim as they ceased their attack and fled when the good Samaritan got involved.
Gardai confirmed they had made an arrest following the incident but this person has now been released pending referral to the Juvenile Diversion Programme.
They said: “Gardaí attended an incident of assault that occurred on Bull Lane, Portlaoise, Co Laois at approximately 5.55pm yesterday, Sunday February 13.
“One man, aged in his 20s, was conveyed to Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise for treatment of non-life threatening injuries sustained as a result of this incident.
“One male juvenile aged in late teens was arrested in relation to this incident and has since been released pending referral to the Juvenile Diversion Programme.”
