The mother of a young Co Donegal man who is fighting for his life after he was seriously assaulted has appealed for people to pray for his recovery.
Charles Dooher was seriously injured at his home in Lifford on Monday morning at around 10.30am.
It is believed that five men broke into the house and both Charles and his father were injured in the incident.
Charles, who is aged in his 20s, was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for treatment for serious injuries.
His father, aged in his 60s, was less seriously injured and is being treated at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Gardaí and other emergency services including the Air Ambulance attended the scene.
Charles’ mother, Annmarie Dooher, and other family members are keeping vigil at her son’s hospital bed.
Ms Dooher, has asked family and friends to send prayers for her son’s recovery.
In a post widely circulated on social media, Ms Dooher said: “I am asking for prayers for my beautiful, brave son who fought off five men with steel batons who broke into our family home and left my son laying for dead.
“My poor son is fighting for his life and needs your prayers. Please pray for my son, please pray for his recovery.
“I sit here desperate with my son’s life in God’s hands. I am asking you to join your hands together for my son and pray for his recovery.
“Pray for his healing. Pray for my son, my beautiful, wonderful son.
“My son who did not deserve to be beaten by masked men with steel bats.
“My son is a good man, a strong man, a hard working man but he is still my baby and because of these evil people, my son, my brave son is fragile and fighting for his life. Please, please pray for him,” said Ms Dooher.
Gardaí are continuing to investigate the incident and CCTV from the area will be compiled as part of the investigation.
A spokesperson said, “A scene is currently held for technical examination.
“Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.
“Any persons who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from Coneyburrow Road, Lifford, between 10am and 11am, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”