Two held after serious assault in Cork city centre
Two youths have been arrested by gardaí in Cork following what was described as a 'serious and unprovoked' assault in the city centre this afternoon.
The incident took place on Winthrop St, a pedestrianised thoroughfare in the city's busy shopping district, at about 4.30pm this afternoon.
The victim, believed to be in his 30s, has been hospitalised with what are described as 'non life-threatening' injuries.
Two male youths arrested for alleged public order offences are being detained at the city's Bridewell Garda Station.
Gardaí investigating serious incident on #winthrop street.@PaulByrne_1 @pjcoogan @EoinBearla pic.twitter.com/1L5NhvlIsU
— Patrick Hogan (@itsPatrickhogan) March 22, 2014
Gardaí sealed off the scene following the alleged assault and are checking CCTV footage of the area.
The alleged assault was described as a 'carbon copy' of an incident in Dublin on St Patrick's Day, which went viral on social media platforms after footage was uploaded online.
Cork City councillor Thomas Gould of Sinn Féin said he was nearby with his family when the incident occurred.
"I heard a load of young fellas shouting and running up the street," Cllr Gould said.
"When I went down to Winthrop St the victim was on the ground, in an obviously distressed state and people were coming to his aid.
"It's very shocking - people couldn't believe it. I spoke to one shop worker who saw it take place and she said it was a 'carbon copy' of what had happened in Dublin."
