Gardai have described as "very seriously ill" a Co Kilkenny man who had both legs amputated beneath the knees after suffering severe burns in an assault eight days ago, writes Jim Cusack.
Mr Paul Berry (27) is said to have received his injuries after attending what was described as an outdoor drinking session on waste ground near Hebron Park, Kilkenny, on the night of October 9th-10th.
He was found suffering from extensive burns by a man out walking on Sunday, October 10th, at about 8.30 a.m. It is understood Mr Berry suffered a severe beating before having inflammable liquid poured over him and being set alight.
He was taken to St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny but transferred almost immediately to the burns unit in St James's Hospital in Dublin. After initial treatment it was decided that the injuries to his legs were so severe that they had to be amputated.
Mr Berry remained in a critical state throughout the week.
Last Tuesday Kilkenny gardai arrested a woman in the town and questioned her for 12 hours. On Thursday they arrested two other men and they, too, were released after questioning.
It is estimated that between eight and 10 people attended the drinking session at the Hebron area with Mr Berry. It is expected further arrests will be made.