A man arrested in connection with a stabbing and acid attack on a woman in Limerick has been released without charge.
Friends on Monday prayed for Simone Lee who was the victim of the brutal assault at her home at the weekend.
Ms Lee (37) was discovered by gardaí and paramedics in a pool of blood at her first-floor flat at Hassetts Villas, Thomondgate, at about 12.40am on Sunday.
A well-placed source said that some form of corrosive acidic substance caused burns to Ms Lee’s face and torso.
She was also stabbed in the back and suffered dozens of minor cuts to her body, as well as a large laceration to her head.
Ms Lee, who is in a critical condition, was expected on Monday to be transferred from University Hospital Limerick to the specialist burns unit at Cork University Hospital for treatment to her burn injuries.
Forensic officers
A 28-year-old man, who is known to Ms Lee, was arrested at the flat. He was released without charge and a file is to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Garda forensic officers travelled from Dublin to Limerick on Monday to examine Ms Lee’s home. Officers took away a number of items from the flat and packed them into evidence bags.
Her friend Deirdre Cronin, speaking at the scene said: “Simone is a very quiet, unassuming girl. We’re all wishing her a speedy recovery.”
“All her friends are worried about her and we have been praying for her. We’re very concerned for her,” Ms Cronin added.
Hyperthermia
The alarm was raised shortly after midnight on Saturday by a passer-by who had seen a broken window at the flat.
When Gardaí arrived they found Ms Lee who was partially clothed and suffering from hyperthermia. A man was arrested at the scene.
Ms Lee was rushed by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick where she was admitted to the intensive care unit.
Gardaí continued house-to-house inquiries in the area, and were harvesting CCTV footage in the search for clues as to who was involved in the horrific attack.
Officers at Mayorstone Garda station have appealed for information and can be contacted on: 06 145 6980.