A WOMAN in her fifties was fighting for her life last night after she suffered severe head injuries in a suspected attack in Newry.
The assault happened at a house on Hollyridge Lane, between the nearby Fiveways roundabout and Carnbane Industrial Estate, in the early hours of yesterday.
Police found the woman after following up a report about an intoxicated man at the roundabout. A member of the public rang police about the man at around 2.20am.
The woman was taken to Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry but was later transferred to intensive care at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. She remained critically ill last night.
It is understood the suspected assault may be linked to a domestic dispute.
Detective Inspector Colin Patterson said: "A woman aged in her fifties has sustained serious head injuries and has been taken to hospital. Her condition has been described as life threatening.
"We are investigating the cause of her injuries and the circumstances surrounding this incident."
The Tandragee Road in Newry yesterday remained closed in both directions as forensic officers investigated the scene.
Police appealed for information.
Danny Kennedy, Ulster Unionist MLA for Newry and Armagh, said he was stunned by the suspected attack.
"This is deeply disturbing news. I sincerely hope the victim can make a full recovery from her injuries," he said.
"This incident will shock the community. It is vital that the police have all available information at their disposal as they carry out their investigation."
Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady described the news as "horrific" and said his thoughts and prayers are with the victim.
"The local community has been left in shock at such a callous attack," he said. "People in this area would be quite close knit. This is a quiet area and such a brutal assault has caused genuine fear and unrest.
"I would urge anybody with any information on this despicable attack to contact the PSNI."
