LAST UPDATE | 29 Jan 2021

GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING an assault which left a woman in her late 20s with “serious injuries” in Co Clare yesterday. 

A man in his mid-30s was arrested and is currently detained at Shannon Garda Station.

Gardaí were alerted to the assault incident in the Market area of Ennis town centre at around 6.20pm. Passers-by are believed to have raised the alarm. 

It is understood the woman suffered serious head injuries in the incident and is in an induced coma.

Gardaí and ambulance paramedics responded to the call and soon established that there was a person inside a public toilet. Unable to gain access to the toilet, the fire service was requested to assist. 

Two units of Clare County Fire and Rescue Service from Ennis station attended the scene and gained entry to the toilet.

Ambulance paramedics and an advanced paramedic, specially trained in advance life support skills, assessed and treated the woman aged in her late 20s. 

She was rushed to University Hospital Limerick in a critical condition with fire service personnel travelling in the ambulance to assist paramedics as they battled to resuscitate the victim. 

Gardaí said the woman has been taken to hospital “with what is described as serious injuries”. 

Gardaí sealed off an area of Upper Market Street and Garraunakilla. An indoor carpark and the public toilet where the woman was found were also preserved as part of the investigation. 

A crime scene technician photographed the area while a more detailed technical examination will also be carried out.

Gardaí are appealing for anybody who may have witnessed this incident or were in the Market area of Ennis between 5.30pm and 6.30pm to get in touch.

Gardaí are also appealing to any road users, particularly those with camera footage, to contact the Incident Room at Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

- With reporting by Niall O’Connor and Orla Dwyer.