Gardaí have described as unusual an attack which left a woman in a critical condition in hospital.
The incident occurred in Donaghmede Park, North Dublin at about 11.30pm last night.
A Garda spokesman confirmed the property where the attack occurred had been broken into earlier this week but said it had not yet been established if the incidents were linked.
It is understood that locks at the property were forced and some jewellery was taken.
The woman (44), a solicitor who lived alone in the house, was stabbed multiple times. She was said to be in a critical but stable condition in Beaumont Hospital today having undergone surgery.
Gardaí have not yet recovered a weapon or identified suspects.
Neighbours said they heard loud screams coming from an upstairs window of the house at about 11.30pm. Several people went to assist the woman while they awaited the arrival of the emergency services. They described the victim as a pleasant but private professional woman.
Members of the Garda Technical Bureau examined the property today, and officers searched the surrounding area for signs of blood, bloodstained clothing or the weapon used in the attack.
Supt Mark Curran of Coolock Garda station said detectives were attempting to establish links between the attack and the burglary on Wednesday. He said it had not yet been established how many people were involved in last night's stabbing but that it was most likely one or two.
He said the investigation team had received good co-operation from neighbours and locals.
Supt Curran said it was an unusual attack because the woman had suffered such serious injuries in her home. He appealed to anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area on Wednesday or last night to contact Coolock Garda station on (01) 6664200 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111.
