Gardaí in Portlaoise say they are investigating after a man in his 30s was seriously injured on Coote Street in the early hours of this morning.

The victim was found at around 4am lying on the ground with a wound to his abdomen.

He was taken to the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise where his condition is described as critical.

The scene is to be examined by a forensic team and remains sealed off this morning.