Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a suspected knife and arson attack in Co Offaly.

A 24-year-old man was allegedly stabbed in a house in Coolcur, Rhode before it was set on fire overnight.

It is understood the alarm was raised by a passer-by, after the victim managed to make his way outside.

He is being treated at St James's Hospital in Dublin following the incident.

Local Fine Gael councillor Liam Quinn has told Midlands 103 that locals have been left stunned by the incident.