Irish critically ill after Australia attack

A man has been charged over an alleged hammer attack on two Irish backpackers in Melbourne, Australia.

The two Irish men, aged in their 30s, remain in a critical condition in hospital today.

Authorities at Melbourne’s Alfred hospital said the men had suffered severe upper body injuries. One of them is said to be in a critical condition, while the other is critical but stable.

The pair were attacked by a man reportedly wielding a hammer at a boarding house in St Kilda East where they were staying at 1am on Sunday.

Luke James Wentholt (31), of St Kilda East, today appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in connection with the incident. He was charged with two counts each of intentionally causing serious injury and recklessly causing serious injury.

Mr Wentholt was arrested after he presented at a hospital for treatment a few hours after the attack. He was remanded to appear before the court again on October 8th.

Police spokeswoman Creina O’Grady earlier said that the Irish backpackers were living in the boarding house.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the families of the two Irish men.