Gardaí in Cork have begun an investigation after a woman in her 20s had her face slashed when she was attacked as she parked her car not far from Cork city centre on Wednesday afternoon.
The woman had parked her car on Friar’s Street on the south inner city shortly after 12pm on Wednesday when an assailant approached her and suddenly began attacking her.
The man produced what gardaí believe was Stanley knife or similar type blade and he slashed the woman across the face a number of times, causing her serious facial injuries
The woman was rushed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery for what one garda source described as “mutilating injuries”.
Gardaí spoke to the young woman briefly but are waiting for permission from doctors at Cork University Hospital to speak to her and take a formal statement in relation to the attack.
Detectives are hoping the woman will be able to describe her assailant who waited until the woman had got out of her car before attacking her.
Gardaí cordoned off the scene of the attack and garda technical experts carried out a forensic examination in the hope of obtaining DNA evidence which would help identify the culprit.
Gardaí say they believe that the woman may have been deliberately targeted.
One line of inquiry which gardaí are investigating is whether the attack may relate to an incident involving a dispute between two young women in Cork city earlier this month.
A dispute broke out on Drawbridge Street near Patrick Street around 3pm on March 16 between two young women in their 20s in which one alleged she was assaulted.
Gardaí have appealed to anyone who may have seen the Friar Street attack or witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around midday to contact them in confidence.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station on 021-4522000 or the Bridewell Garda Station in Cork on 021-4943330.
