This man was last night fighting for his life in hospital after he was stabbed in the neck in Co Kildare.
Donal Percival, 37, was left critically injured after he was stabbed at his home in Father Murphy Park, Robertstown, Co Kildare at around 2.30am on Sunday.
Sources say gardai suspect that Mr Percival was stabbed by someone known to him. It is believed he returned home after spending some time at a social gathering in the area - and was later confronted.
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It is suspected that a number of individuals followed him home and he was approached at his front door and attacked.
And yesterday five people were arrested over the assault - all of whom are understood to be known to the victim.
Speaking to this paper, one local living in the area told how they heard a commotion in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“I heard a bit of a commotion. I was in the sitting room and I heard shouting. I went upstairs and then I saw the ambulance and the guards going in.”
The neighbour said they knew the victim well, and said there was huge shock in the area over what happened.
“I know Donie well. He’s a lovely fella. This is a shock to everyone. He’s a loveable fella. And he’s never been in trouble. He wouldn’t harm anybody. Hopefully he pulls through.“
They said they won’t know until Tuesday or Wednesday how much damage is done,” the pal said.
In a statement, gardai said that officers in Naas are investigating the incident as a serious assault. Three men aged in their 20s, 30s and 50s and two women aged in their 20s and 40s were arrested over the incident.
Last night they were being detained at various Garda Stations in Kildare under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
Mr Percival was receiving treatment at Tallaght University Hospital where his condition was being described as serious but stable.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to this incident or to any person with information to come forward.
They’re also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were in the area of Robertstown between 1am and 4am to make this footage available to them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Naas Garda station on 045 884300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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