A man (24) has been seriously injured in an attack near the village of Rhode, Co. Offaly.
The incident occurred at the man’s home on the edge of Rhode village in Co Offaly around midnight.
It is reported that a group of men arrived at the property and are the cause of the attack and arson though individuals have not been identified.
The man, who was stabbed in the attack, received serious burns as he attempted to escape the arson.
It is understood neighbours were alerted during the incident and raised the alarm.
The injured man was initially taken to Tullamore Hospital by ambulance before being transferred to St James’ Hospital in Dublin for treatment in their specialist burns unit.
Gardaí have stated that the incident occurred between 11.30pm last night and 1.50am at the man’s house at Coolcur, a townland next to Rhode, a few miles from the M6 near the Meath-Offaly border.
The injured man is described as critically ill.
Gardaí said they have no reports of anyone else being injured in the attack while the house has been preserved for a technical examination.