Maynooth student may have met attacker on bus

Gardai have issued an appeal for information to bus passengers over a senseless attack on a young Maynooth University student in the town.

The Co Monaghan native (18) was found on a footpath at the entrance to Moyglare Abbey estate with serious injuries on Sunday evening.

She suffered a broken jaw, broken nose and broken eye sockets in the attack.

Gardai are baffled by the motive and are unsure if the victim knew her attacker or not.

The student did not appear to have her mobile phone or laptop stolen.

Gardai will make a special appeal at the scene at 12 noon today.

The victim got a private bus to Maynooth from Monaghan, which travelled via Castleblaney, on Sunday.

She was walking to her digs near the university when the attack happened.

Last night an appeal was made onRTE programme Crimecall for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.

Specifically gardai are looking to speak to anyone who was on a private bus from Monaghan which arrived in Maynooth at 8.15pm to contact them.

The young woman received medical assistance at the scene before being taken to James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown.

Maynooth University said in a statement that it was very disturbed to hear of the serious incident and had made support available to the victim and her family.

The university added: "The safety and well being of all our students is of the utmost importance to us.

"The university is working closely with the gardaí and offering advice and support services to all students concerned about this incident."

The area has been preserved for a technical examination.

No arrests have been made.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information, particularly those who were in the vicinity of Maynooth town/Moyglare Abbey Estate between 7.30pm and 9.15pm last night, Sunday 20th November 2016, to contact them at Leixlip Garda Station on 01 6667800, The Garda Confidential Line, 1800 666111 or any Garda station.