A 47-year-old woman is fighting for her life in hospital after a knife attack in Cork city during which three others were hurt.
A 55-year-old man has been arrested and is being detained at Mayfield Garda Station.
The attacks happened at a house on the Glanmire Road area of Montenotte at around 11pm on Monday night.
The 47-year-old was stabbed in the chest and underwent emergency surgery.
Her condition has deteriorated and is described as critical.
A 10-year-old boy was stabbed in the chest and a 26-year-old was kiffed in the upper body.
They have both had surgery, their injuries are serious but not life-threatening.
Another 18-year-old woman was punched in the face during the attack.
The man's arrest came after a major garda search on Monday night.
The attacker is understood to be known to the family.
Gardai have sealed of the house and are carrying out a forensic examination of the scene.
A garda spokesman told the Irish Mirror: "Two women aged in their 20s and 40s, and a male child aged 10 received apparent stab wounds.
"They have all been taken to Cork University Hospital with serious injuries.
"An 18 year old woman received minor injuries.
"Gardaí assisted by members of the Regional Support Unit have arrested a man in his 50s in relation to this incident.
"He is currently detained at Mayfield Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
"Investigations are continuing."
.jpg?w=600)
