Gardaí seek couple out walking in Carlow assault investigation

Gardaí investigating after a woman was found injured and unconscious in Carlow town on Sunday afternoon want to speak to a couple who were walking in the area.

Detectives believe the woman, who is local and aged in her early 50s, was assaulted and she remains in a serious condition in hospital.

The woman was discovered unconscious and injured on the grounds at Pollerton Castle on the Pollerton Road on Sunday afternoon. Gardaí believe she was "accosted by somebody" between 3am and 5am and assaulted at that location, Supt Gerry Redmond told RTÉ Radio.

Last night gardaí renewed their appeal for information adding: “Investigating gardaí­ are particularly anxious to speak to a male and female couple who were walking in the area at the times already stated”.

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The woman was taken to St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny while the scene was preserved for a technical examination. No arrests have been made by gardaí in relation to the incident.

Supt Redmond described the woman as being of very slight build with shoulder-length blonde hair. At the time of the attack she was wearing a pair of blue jeans, a bright pink top and a pair of black flip-flops, he said.

Lord Mayor of Carlow Jim Deane said "it was a horrific thing to happen".

“Everyone is horrified that this attack has happened. It’s an incident that should not have taken place and I’d be hoping that the gardaí would bring it to a fairly swift end, whoever’s involved, people or persons,” he said.

“This poor woman, it’s very unfortunate that she could have been so close to being killed. Hopefully she will recover. It’s very frightening for people in the Carlow area that this attack has happened.”

Mr Deane said he was hopeful “someone would have seen something” as there are a number of housing estates in the area as well as a running track and “there would be lots of people there walking around”.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal for witnesses and in particular anyone who travelled on Staplestown Road, St Patrick’s Avenue or Pollerton Road between 2am and 5am on Sunday.

Gardaí are also appealing to any drivers that may have travelled these roads at the same time and have footage from dash-cams to contact them at Garda Station on 059-9136620, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.