Gardai have launched an investigation after two men were viciously assaulted with hurls in Portlaoise at the weekend.
A Garda spokesperson confirmed to LaoisToday that two men from the Knockmay area suffered facial injuries after they were set upon by a gang of youth in the early hours of Sunday morning June 10.
The men, aged 30 and 22 respectively, were both taken to hospital following the attack which took place in Hillview Drive near Knockmay between 2.30am and 3am.
The men were walking through the area when a group consisting of at least three men in their late teens or early 20s assaulted them with hurls.
Gardai say the older man suffered severe facial injuries and had to be transferred to St James’ Hospital in Dublin.
The Laois Nationalist report that this man’s face was ‘smashed and bloodied beyond recognition, with an extremely swollen and protruding upper lip as well as extensive cuts and bruises to his lower face and jaw. His front teeth were also knocked out’.
The second man had a deep cut to the back of his head and was treated at Portlaoise Hospital.
Emergency services were alerted and arrived on the scene at 3.10am where they treated the two men.
A garda spokesperson appealed for witnesses to come forward to help them find the culprits.
They said: “Anyone with information that could assist the gardai in their inquiry is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057-8674100.”
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