A man is in critical condition following an assault overnight in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.
The assault occurred shortly before 4am this morning.
The suspect is believed to have fled the scene on foot via an alleyway off Main Street, Carrickmacross
A man was lying unconscious on the roadway upon the arrival of gardaí. The man 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 scene has been preserved and technically examined.
Gardaí said there were a large number of people in the area at the time of the assault.
They are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information - particularly those who may have been in the vicinity of Main Street, Carrickmacross between 3.30am - 4.15am Saturday 8th April 2017 and who may have a recording of the incident on their phone/dash cam - to contact them at Carrickmacross Garda Station on 042 9690190.