Gardai in Killarney are investigating a vicious and sustained assault on a young man by a gang of youths which occurred in a laneway in the centre of the town.
The victim was knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked and punched by a group of five or six teenagers and several of the kicks were aimed at and connected with his head.
The incident occurred shortly after 8.30pm on Saturday at Chapel Lane, just off New Street.
Gardai were alerted and attended the scene but those involved had scattered through a network of laneways when they arrived.
A disturbing video – filmed on a camera phone and widely circulated overnight – shows the sheer brutality of the frenzied attack with the helpless victim attempting to protect his head on the ground as several ferocious kicks, punches and stamping attempts were delivered to his head, his back and his torso.
The frightening video – which has been seen by KillarneyToday.com – has caused widespread shock and it is clear that the victim was lucky to escape without devastating injuries.
Garda investigations are continuing and, it is understood, they are aware of the identities of some of those involved.
Superintendent Flor Murphy of Killarmey Garda Station, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that gardai attended the scene but the flashpoint attack had ended and those involved had scattered.
He said a full investigation has been launched and the video of the incident is also in the possession of the gardai.
“The young people involved need to reflect on what has happened. They need to talk to their parents and they need to come forward to us because we will be knocking on doors very soon,” Supt Murphy told KillarneyToday.com.
“We are aware of who some of them are and they now need to do the right thing,” he added.
Any witnesses to the attack or anybody with any information that might assist in the investigation is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064-6631222.
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