Father dies after serious assault in Cobh carpark

Update

A post-mortem examination has now been carried out, and preliminary results have been provided to investigating gardaí. Although results are not being released for operational reasons, gardaí have said that they have commenced a murder investigation.

Earlier

The results of a postmortem examination which took place yesterday, Wednesday, on the body of Ian Baitson will determine the course of the investigation, gardaí have said.

The father died several days after an assault in a carpark on the Newtown Road in Cobh.

The serious assault happened shortly before 9pm on Friday 15 March and Ian passed away in hospital on Tuesday.

Ian was in his 30s and lived in the coastal town in East Cork.

It is believed that the victim sustained an injury to his leg during the assault and lost a lot of blood.

It is understood that a sword was used during the incident. Medics and emergency services were called to the scene before he was brought by ambulance to CUH where he was pronounced dead on Tuesday.

Gardaí are now investigating why the assault took place and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

Meanwhile, an incident room has been established at Cobh Garda Station, and a senior investigating officer (SIO) is leading the investigation. Gardaí have also said that a family liaison officer has also been appointed to keep the family of the deceased updated.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochana said: “Gardaí are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the Newtown Road between 8.45pm and 9.15pm are asked to make this footage available to gardaí.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cobh Garda Station on 021-4908530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 or any garda station.

Gardaí had no further information as of going to print on Wednesday afternoon.