Parents keep vigil by beaten student’s bedside

The student, from Limerick, was attacked just yards from the scene where last month another man was beaten unconscious - that man is still in a coma in hospital.

Politicians said the incident had left many people afraid to walk the streets of the city after dark.

Mr Franklin, a student at Cork Institute of Technology, was set upon in the Grand Parade area of the city in the early hours of yesterday while he was out with a friend.

Police sources said it was believed a hammer was used in the attack, which left Mr Franklin with serious head injuries.

He is critically ill in Cork University Hospital.

Detectives believe a number of people were involved in the incident which resulted in the attack and have appealed for witnesses.

Mr Franklin was found unconscious close to the scene where two men kicked and stamped on 28-year-old Christen Scully, from Cork, on January 28.

Mr Scully remains on a life support machine.

Bernard Allen, Cork North Central TD, said: ‘‘People young and old are becoming nervous about socialising in the city centre.’’

The Fine Gael deputy added: ‘‘We cannot surrender our streets to thugs, but that is what is happening.’’

Fianna Fail deputy for Cork South Central Batt O’Keeffe said the attacks showed little respect for human life.

‘‘Crime statistics are down but the viciousness of the recent assaults leave a lot to be desired,’’ he said.

Cork Corporation Labour councillor Kathleen Lynch said there was an urgent need for more police on the streets.

‘‘It has reached a point where it is not safe to go out at the weekends. CCTV cameras have helped but they are not in all areas,’’ she said.

‘‘It is not just isolated incidents any more. This problem needs to be tackled straight away.’’