Horrific 'hatchet attack' in Dundalk leaves elderly woman fighting for her life

General view of the scene of an attack in Dundalk, Co. Louth.

A pensioner is fighting for her life tonight – after she suffered serious head injuries in a reported hatchet attack.

Sources have told The Mirror that the victim, who is 82, was allegedly attacked in a relative’s house in Dundalk, Co Louth on Friday afternoon.

It’s understood the woman was repeatedly hit on her head and body in the attack – and sustained life threatening injuries.

Sources say the woman was visiting relatives in the house in the Glenwood estate – opposite Louth County Hospital in the town – when the attack happened.

She was one of three women to suffer injuries in the attack – but she was the most seriously wounded.

She was rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda after the attack – but there are fears for her life tonight.

“It was a shocking attack. It is not looking good for her,” a source said. “He just went and got a hatchet and started beating them with it.”

We have established that several members of the victim’s family were in the house around midday when a man known to them suddenly appeared and started attacking them.

The three victims were all injured in the attack before a neighbour raised the alarm and called gardaí.

The most seriously injured woman was taken to hospital in Drogheda, but the other two victim were less badly hurt and were being treated at the nearby Louth County Hospital.

A man was later arrested at the scene and was being questioned on suspicion of assault tonight. Sources say he was known to all victims.

He is being questioned at Dundalk Garda Station tonight – and can be detained for up to 24 hours.

Locals tonight said the community is in shock after the attack.

The victims come from a well-known and well respected family in the area.

Gardaí confirmed three women were injured in the attack.

A spokesman said: “Gardaí in Dundalk were alerted to an incident at a residential property in Glenwood Estate, Dundalk early this afternoon Friday 3rd May, 2024.

“Three women were injured and two were removed to Louth County Hospital, Dundalk for treatment and one woman was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda with serious injuries.

“A man was arrested at the scene and is currently detained at a Garda station in County Louth under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. Investigations ongoing.”

The incident came just a day after an unconnected altercation in the town left a man badly injured.

The man in his 40s was attacked in Bridge Street at around 5.45pm on Thursday. He was hospitalised after being attacked with that is believed to have been a hammer.

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