Hammer attack on Irish backpackers

Two Irish backpackers are in a serious but stable condition in hospital after they were assaulted in Melbourne, Australia.

Two Irish backpackers are in a serious but stable condition in hospital after they were assaulted in Melbourne, Australia.

Australian media reported last night that the men had been attacked and hit over the head by a person wielding a hammer at a boarding house in St Kilda East in Melbourne.

Australian media said that both men, aged in their 30s, were in a critical but stable condition in the Alfred hospital in the city.

Police spokeswoman Creina O’Grady said that the Irish backpackers were living in the boarding house.

A man was arrested after the incident.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the families of the two Irish men.

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Martin Wall

Martin Wall

Martin Wall is the Public Policy Correspondent of The Irish Times.