Gardai issue witness appeal over alleged assault in church

Gardai investigating an alleged assault in an Athlone church last Friday, which led to a woman in her 30s being hospitalised with serious injuries, have issued a public appeal for witnesses to come forward.

The incident is alleged to have taken place in the Corpus Christi Church at Connaught Gardens, Athlone, shortly after 11am on Friday.

A woman was subsequently taken to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore to be treated for serious injuries.

Gardai said a man in his 60s was arrested at the scene and detained for a time at a garda station in Westmeath.

He was later released without charge, and a file is due to be prepared for the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

This afternoon (Tuesday), gardai issued a public appeal asking anyone who was in the area of Connaught Gardens, Corpus Christi Church, Athlone, between 10.45am and 11.30am on Friday September 12, to get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Athlone Garda Station on 090 6492600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any garda station.