A woman is in a critical condition in hospital after she was found unresponsive following an assault in Cork city centre last night.
The woman was found lying on the ground outside the former Savoy cinema on St Patrick's Street, the city's main thoroughfare, at around 8pm.
She was taken to Cork University Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
An incident room has been set up at Anglesea Street Garda Station.
It is understood she is 36 years old, from Cork city and a homeless service user.
A soup kitchen was in operation near the former cinema when a row broke out between the victim and a number of other people.
Gardaí are investigating reports that she was set upon by up to three people.
One of the soup kitchen staff spotted the woman on the ground and went over to check on her but could not find a pulse.
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She began CPR and managed to keep the woman alive until paramedics arrived at the scene.
Gardaí have since taken statements from over 20 people who were there at the time of the assault and are appealing for witnesses who may have information to contact them.
They are also looking for dashcam and mobile phone footage from anyone who was on the street which was very busy at the time.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses, particularly anyone who was near the Savoy between 7pm and 8pm last night, and who may have video footage (including dash cam) to contact Angelsea Garda Station on 021 4522000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
