Woman mugged after finishing work at hospital in the Midlands

Gardaí are appealing for the public's assistance after a woman was the victim of a suspected mugging after leaving work at Portlaoise hospital.

The incident occurred just before midnight on Thursday, February 16 when it is understood that the woman, who is aged in her 40s, was confronted not long after leaving work in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

She was set upon and a robbery was forcibly attempted by the suspected mugger at the scene of the incident which occurred at the entrance to the Grenville estate. 

The woman managed to escape her attacker's clutches and fled the scene. 

Soon afterward, Gardaí were alerted. When given a description, a search began in the vicinity of the Dublin Road. A short time later a man who is aged in his 30s and is understood to have come from Dublin was detained.

The suspect was taken to Portlaoise Garda Station where he is expected to be detained pending a court appearance.

As part of their investigation, Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the Dublin Road near the hospital and the Grenville estate to contact them. The busy Killeshin Hotel is also located nearby.

Gardaí would particularly like to hear from motorists with dash cams who may have been on the Dublin Road around midnight on Thursday to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.