Updated 6pm
GARDAÍ IN OFFALY are appealing for information about a suspicious house fire that almost killed a man.
The 24-year-old man was found at the rear of his home in Rhode just before 2am today by a passer-by who called gardaí.
He had extensive burn injuries and a number of stab wounds to his body. He was taken by ambulance to Tullamore Hospital and then transferred to St James Hospital in Dublin where his condition is described as critical.
Gardaí say they have not received any reports of anyone else being injured in the fire.
An incident room has now been set up at Tullamore Garda Station and house-to-house inquiries are taking place in the Rhode area. A family liaison officer has also been appointed.
It appears the premises may have been used to breed dogs and a number were taken from kennels and away from the scene by the county dog warden earlier today.
Speaking earlier this afternoon, Inspector Kieran Keyes appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to contact gardaí. They are particularly keen to speak to anyone in the area between midnight and 2am.
Anyone with information can contact Tullamore garda station on 057 9327600, the Garda Confidential Line Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
- With reporting by Michelle Hennessy.
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