Garda probe launched as man loses fingers in suspected attempt to break into pub in the Midlands

Gardai in the Midlands are investigating after a man appeared to lose several of his fingers in what is thought to have been an attempt to break in to a pub.

A man in his 20s covered in blood was found laying outside a bar in Laois at around 6am on Sunday, July 7, shocking local residents.

Emergency services were called and the man was rushed to hospital. It has emerged since that gardaí suspect the man seriously injured himself when trying to break through glass at the pub premises - in an attempted burglary gone wrong.

Unsettling photos and videos of the find reveal that the man had chopped his fingers and was seriously hurt.

The distressing images and videos were shared on social media this week, and appeared to show a man, covered in blood, lying on the ground outside a pub in Killeshin.

Gardaí confirmed that the incident is now under investigation.

In a statement, they said: "Gardaí are investigating a burglary at a commercial premises in Killeshin, Co. Laois at approximately 6:00am on Sunday 7th July 2024.

"A male in his 20s was transferred to St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Gardaí are appealing 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 Killeshin Road between 5:45am and 6:30am on Sunday 7th July 2024 are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

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

"Enquiries are ongoing."