A woman is in a critical condition after been burned, stabbed and beaten in an attack at her home in Limerick.
The "serious assault" took place inside the woman's flat at Hassetts Villas, Thomondgate on Saturday night.
The woman, who was 37-years-of-age, sustained “burn marks to her face, neck, and torso”, Garda sources said.
Detectives were liaising with doctors treating the woman at University Hospital Limerick to determine the cause of her burn injuries.
Garda sources said they could not rule out the possibility that acid may have been used, however they are also examining the possibility that boiling water may have been poured over her.
A man (28) was arrested on suspicion of carrying out the attack.
The suspect is being detained for questioning at Henry Street Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
The woman “received a puncture wound to her back” sources also said.
“She has been sedated by doctors and is in a critical but stable condition,” they added.
Sources said the arrested man is known to the victim but was not residing in the flat with her.
The woman’s two-storey townhouse accommodation will remain sealed off overnight pending the arrival of Garda forensic officers on Monday.
Shards of glass were visible on the street outside the flat and an upstairs window was smashed.
Detectives have yet to speak to her as she remains in a critical condition.
Gardaí said they were keen to speak to anyone with information that may help their investigation.
They are also investigating whether or not there were other persons in the house during the assault.
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to contact Mayorstone Garda station at 061456980 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.