Gardaí believe the attacker responsible for a “vicious” assault on an elderly man in Dublin over the weekend was wearing a Guy Fawkes mask.

75-year-old Paddy Hansard was taken to hospital with serious head and spinal injuries after the attack at Courtney Place in Ballybough at around 2am on Saturday morning.

He remains in a serious condition in hospital.

An image of a mask similar to one Gardaí believe was used in a serious assault in Dublin in the early hours of Saturday morning. Image: An Garda Síochána

This evening, Gardaí released a fresh appeal for information. Investigators said they are particularly interested in finding a mask they believe the attacker was wearing at the time.

They said the mask may have been thrown away after the attack.

Mr Hansard’s friends, family and neighbours attended a vigil for him in Ballybough last night.

Huge attendance at vigil for Paddy Hansard outside Courtney Place flats in Ballybough this evening. Wonderful to see my great community coming together to show how much we care for Paddy and the high regard in which they hold the Hansard family. Thanks everybody. Táim an buódúil. pic.twitter.com/IMcs9RQXwc

— Nial Ring (@nialring) August 19, 2019

Former Lord Mayor Nial Ring, a councillor in the area, said he was returning from a local pub when he was attacked near his home.

He said he is held in very high regard in the community with local residents in shock in the cays since the attack.

On Saturday, a man in his 50s was arrested in connection with the incident.

He was released without charge on Sunday evening with a file to be prepared for the DPP.

Gardaí are calling on anyone who has seen the mask or anything matching its description to contact them at Mountjoy Garda Station.