GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING an assault that left a man in a critical condition.

The assault occurred on Main Street, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan this morning, shortly before 4am.

Gardaí arrived at the scene and observed a man lying unconscious on the road. He received medical assistance at the scene before being taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. He has since been transferred to Beaumont Hospital where his condition is described as critical.

The suspect is believed to have fled the scene on foot via an alleyway off Main Street.

Gardaí say there was a large number of people in the area at the time of the assault and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information, particularly those who may have been in the vicinity of Main Street, Carrickmacross between 3.30am and 4.15am and who may have a recording of the incident on their phone/dash cam, to contact them at Carrickmacross Garda Station on 042 9690190, the Garda Confidential Line, 1800 666111 or any Garda stations.