Witness appeal after serious Christmas Eve assault

Man hospitalised with head injuries.

Gardaí in Cavan are investigating a serious assault which occurred in Belturbet in the early hours of this morning.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight, Sunday, December, 24, when a disturbance broke out between a group of individuals in the Holborn Hill area of the Erneside town.

A man, aged in his 40's was subsequently treated at the scene for by emergency services services for what are understood to serious head injuries.

He was taken to hospital for further treatement and has since been transferred to Dublin's Beaumont Hospital where gardaí describe the man's condition as "serious".

The scene is currently preserved for forensic examination, and enquires are said to be "ongoing".

There have been no arrests to date, but gardaí say they are following "definite lines of enquiry" in relation to the matter.

They are now also appealing for any witnesses to come forward, including those with any footage, to make that available to them.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana confirmed in a statement: "Shortly after midnight, Gardaí were alerted to a disturbance outside a premises at Holborn Hill, Belturbet involving a group of individuals.

"A man in his mid 40s was treated at the scene for serious injuries by emergency services personnel and taken by ambulance to hospital. He is currently in Beaumont Hospital where his condition is understood to be serious.

"The scene is preserved for forensic examination and enquires are ongoing. While no arrests have been made to date, Gardaí are following definite lines of enquiry.

"Investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. They are also appealing to those with video footage of the incident to make it available to them."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cavan Garda Station on 049 4368800, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.