An investigation is under way after a woman in her 20s was found with serious injuries in a car park in Newbridge, Co Kildare.
It is understood that the woman had been the victim of an assault and sustained stab wounds in the attack.
She was found unresponsive at St Conleth's car park on the main street in the town at around 8am yesterday morning.
She was taken to Tallaght University Hospital with serious injuries.
Gardaí are working to establish when the attack happened.
They want to speak to anyone who was in the area between 11pm on Tuesday night and 8.15am yesterday morning.
They can be contacted at Newbridge Garda Station on 045 440180, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111, or any garda station.
No arrests have been made and the garda investigation is ongoing.
Local Social Democrats Councillor Chris Pender described the incident as shocking and said the community is stunned.
He said there is an increased need for more gardaí in Newbridge and he has been highlighting this.
