Appeal as elderly man assaulted in birr

Gardai in Birr have appealed for information in relation to an assault which left an elderly man requiring stitches on Friday evening.

A garda spokesman said the 70-year-old man was attacked near a house in Clonoghill Upper, Birr at around 8pm last night. The assault occurred as the man went outside to look after his dog. 

'He was struck with an implement across the head and taken to Tullamore hospital where he received a number of stitches and has since been released,' the garda spokesman said. 

Gardai declined to say exactly what type of implement was used in the attack. They said the injured man was 'fairly shook up' after his ordeal and is expected to make a full recovery. No motive has yet been established for the attack. 

Anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the area, particularily between the hours of 7.30 and 9.30pm on Friday , is asked to contact Birr Garda Station on 057 91 69710, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.