Friends and neighbours of a Cork man who was set on fire have told of their fear another attack may happen in the neighbourhood.
Keith Greaney is fighting for his life in Cork University Hospital after the brutal assault in the early hours of Monday morning.
The dad-of-three remains in an induced coma after the attack at his home in Mayfield.
A third man has been quizzed about the incident, following two brothers in their mid-20s were questioned earlier in the week at Mayfield Garda Station.
Mr Greaney was asleep in his home when three men armed with iron bars and a machete kicked in his door at around 4am.
The thugs beat him before covering him with petrol and setting him alight.
Friends and neighbours in the area around the Dunard Estate on the Northside of the city told of their horror at the gruesome attack.
One neighbour said: "His priority is his kids - we can't believe somebody would do this to him, people here are in fear."
The person, who wished to remain anonymous, described Mr Greaney as a "lovely fella, a really nice guy".
Another friend said: "We heard the ambulances, it was really early in the morning.
"When we heard what had happened, everybody was in shock. Keith was somebody you could turn to if you needed help.
"Everybody here is petrified of something like this happening again, how could you set another human being on fire?"
As the men fled the scene in two cars, Mr Greaney's terrified partner scrambled to put out the flames and the emergency services responded. Paramedics gave the victim emergency treatment at the scene.
The 23-year old was then rushed to hospital where he remains in a critical condition with extensive burns to his body. The injuries are said to be life-changing.
It's believed his three young children - aged seven, three and two - were not in the house at the time but were with their mother's family in another part of the county.
Neighbours said the Greaney family have had more than their fair share of tragedy in recent years. Keith has lost his mother, father and a brother, all at a relatively young age.
Meanwhile, it's understood there has been some progress in the investigation after two men presented themselves at Mayfield Garda station and spoke to gardai for a number of hours.
No one has been charged were made but files have been prepared for the DPP.
Investigations into the disturbing incident are continuing with Gardai sifting through witness statements after extensive door-to-door enquiries - CCTV from the area is also being reviewed.
Gardaí are investigating the possibility that the attack could have been linked to an escalating dispute between two men in their 20s.
They have appealed to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the Boherboy Road area of Mayfield - or has any information that could assist them - to contact Mayfield Garda Station on 021-4558510.
