A girl has been seriously injured in an incident at a house in Charleville, Co Cork.
Gardaí said that considerable damage was also caused to the house and a car in the Newline area last night.
They have described the "heinous assault" as "reprehensible".
It is believed the girl, understood to be around 12 years old, was injured after an object was thrown through the window of the house.
She was transferred from Cork University Hospital to Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street in Dublin, where she underwent surgery and is said to be in a serious but stable condition.
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Superintendent Gary McPolin, who is heading up the investigation, said that gardaí are following a definite line of inquiry as he issued an appeal for witnesses.
The attack was a "heinous assault on an innocent child", according to Supt McPolin, adding "it is a new level of violence when children are hurt".
A technical examination of the scene in Charleville has been carried out.
Gardaí have asked anyone with information, including dash cam footage, to contact Mallow Garda Station on 022-31450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
