Woman (80s) seriously injured along with two family members after alleged hatchet attack

A man is in custody after the incident, during which three members of the same family were allegedly attacked.

The woman who was most seriously injured is aged in her 80s and has suffered serious head injuries. It is understood she was struck a number of times on the head with a hatchet.

She was found lying outside the property and was in a critical condition last night. Two other women were also injured. The suspect is known to the women who were injured in the incident.

Gardaí were called to the property in the Glenwood Estate yesterday afternoon.

One woman was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda with serious injuries. Two other women were taken to Louth County Hospital in Dundalk for treatment. It is understood their injuries are less serious.

A man was arrested at the scene and is being detained at a garda station in Co Louth under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

It is the second serious alleged assault to have happened in Dundalk in recent days.

In an entirely separate incident, a man was hospitalised on Thursday evening after an alleged altercation broke out in the town.

Gardaí received a report of an assault that happened shortly before 5.45pm on Bridge Street. A man in his 40s was taken to hospital where he is currently receiving treatment. It is alleged he was attacked using a claw hammer.

A garda statement said: “A technical examination of the scene has been conducted. Investigations into this incident are ongoing.

“Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.”

Anyone with information can contact Dundalk garda station on 0429388400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800666111, or any garda station.