A MAN was battered with a hammer in a brutal assault at his home.
The man, who is well known photographer Colm Henry, was attacked by a man at 8pm at an address on Adelaide Road, Bray, Co Wicklow.
The world famous photographer had taken photographs with Bono and U2 as well as other famous rock stars.
A source said that gardai have not made an arrest as yet but are following a definite line of enquiry.
A source said: "This was a horrific attack - the man suffered devastating head injuries.
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"He was repeatedly struck with a weapon, believed to be a hammer, paramedics and gardai treated him for his injuries at the scene.
"The investigators believe his attacker knew the victim and they are confident of solving this case."
A garda spokeswoman confirmed that the incident saying the investigation is ongoing.
She said: "Gardaí in Bray are investigating an alleged assault that occurred on Adelaide Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow on Thursday the 28th of March 2019 at approx. 8pm.
"A male (60s) was assaulted and received head wounds. He was taken to St Vincent's Hospital for treatment. Investigations are on going. No arrests have been made."
Sources have said that a garda negotiator was called to the scene as it was believed that the suspect had barricaded himself in the house.
A source explained: "It was determined that the suspected attacker was known to Colm and that the investigation would depend on whether a complaint was made.
"It is likely to focus on the health of the suspect."
Man suffers 'devastating head injuries' in brutal hammer attack in his Bray home
Colm Henry began in photography in the late 1970s and spent more than 10 years as U2's photographer. He was the recipient of the “Best of Irish” award in Irish Editorial Photography.
He said of his time photographing U2: "It was their most creative period by a mile. They started out as boys and ended as men."
While Bono said of the photographer: "Colm was one of the few people who knew what we were about in the 80's."
Colm was well known in Ireland as Hot Press chief photographer and he photographed such well known figures as Tom Waits, David Bowie, Leonard Cohen and Rory Gallagher.
He has been released from hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
