GARDAI investigating an attack on an 83 year old man in Tullamore say they expect to make an early arrest in the case.
Mr Patrick Lee was attacked with an axe when he answered a call to his house on Saturday evening. His assailant, who gardai believe was known to him, struck a number of times, causing extensive head, throat and arm injuries, before fleeing.
It is believed gardai wish to interview a 40 year old farmer about the attack. However, they were unable to do so yesterday as he had checked into a local psychiatric hospital.
Mr Lee is in a critical condition in the neurosurgery department of Beaumont Hospital in Dublin following the attack. A hospital spokeswoman said he was in intensive care after being operated on yesterday.
Gardai yesterday searched Mr Lee's house for clues to the attack. They said their investigations were continuing. A spokesman said they were following a definite line of inquiry and a file would be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The attack came to light at about 5 p.m. on Saturday when a man called to the home of a retired matron in Tullamore to say the victim had suffered a fall. When the woman went to Mr. Lee's house, she found him lying on the hall floor with head injuries.