This is the moment two axe-wielding thugs pounce on their target in a supermarket, leaving the victim with a fractured skull.
Footage of the shocking incident in the Tesco store in Tullamore, Co Offaly, yesterday after 8.30pm sees the pair, wearing navy balaclavas and wearing black outfits, repeatedly striking a man on the ground.
He suffered a number of blows to his body and his head just inside the door of the store.
On his hands and knees, the victim tries to crawl to safety, but one of the attackers strikes him again before fleeing the shop.
Shocked members of the public who were out grocery shopping are seen looking on in horror.
A major probe is now underway but officers believe it was a targeted attack, in which the victim suffered a fractured skull among other injuries.
A source said: “The fact they went into a busy shop and attacked just one individual in that brutal and savage manner would indicate it was targeted. The victim is OK but he suffered serious injuries.”
No arrests have yet been made.
Another source said: “This investigation is being treated very seriously and the next step is to identify these men and gardai are confident they will be able to do so.”
The injured man, aged in his 30s, was taken from the scene to Tullamore Hospital. Gardai confirmed his condition is not thought to be life threatening.
The scene of the attack in Tesco was closed for a time for an examination by gardai.
Their probe involves reviewing CCTV footage of both inside and outside the store in a bid to identify the two men, who are believed to have fled in a dark coloured car. Those who saw the attack in the store have also been interviewed.
Gardai continue to appeal for witnesses. A spokesman said: “Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore station on 057-9327600 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.”
