Gardaí in Castlebar, Co Mayo, are seeking witnesses to assaults on five women that occurred in the town on Friday night last.
The assaults, carried out by a woman who was on day release from the acute psychiatric unit of Mayo General Hospital, happened at about 8 p.m on Linenhall Street in the town centre.
Gardaí say five women were attacked and suffered mostly facial injuries when the woman, yielding a sharp object, assaulted them. Gardaí were quickly on the scene and arrested the woman. A file on the incidents is now being prepared for the DPP and gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the assaults.
A spokesperson for the Western Health Board confirmed yesterday the board is offering those involved medical and counselling services.
A number of the women were treated for their injuries on Friday night, but the board is offering the women counselling in the aftermath of the experience. The WHB is also investigating the incidents.