Gardaí in Co Offaly have confirmed this morning that a young man in his 20s is in critical condition in hospital following an assault in Birr.
It is understood the young victim of the attack suffered a number stab wounds in the incident which occurred at McAuley Drive, shortly after 1am on Sunday morning.
Gardaí say man, was taken to Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, were he remains in critical condition.
They also say a man also in his 20s was arrested close to the scene a short time later, he is currently being detained at Birr Garda Station.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have been on McAuley Drive, Townsend Street, New Road or Pound Street areas between 12.30am and 1.30am on Sunday morning to contact them at Birr Garda Station on 057-9169710, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any garda station.