An elderly man was “brutally beaten to death” by another man at the Mercy University Hospital this morning, the the Irish Mirror has reported.
The hospital has confirmed that the victim and attacker were both inpatients on the same ward at the time. The victim was unknown to the alleged attacker.
The victim was 89-years old and from Berrings in Co Cork. He is understood to be the father of adult children and had grandchildren. He had lost his wife just weeks ago.
Speaking to the Mirror this morning, Deirdre Forde, the Lord Mayor of Cork, said the entire county will be in shock over the news.
“It’s very sad news this morning and we are all devastated to hear it.
“It’s just dreadful for that poor man’s family and friends. To go into a hospital when you’re unwell and you hope to improve and come out healthier, and to have this to happen is beyond imagination.
“At the same time I believe such an incident as this will force hospitals to reevaluate their situations.
“The whole of Cork will be shocked to hear about this incident.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to those involved and to the staff, the nurses and doctors at Mercy Hospital who must be traumatised by this incident.”
Mercy University Hospital said gardaí were immediately alerted when the incident occurred this morning.
In a statement, the hospital also said that counselling services are being provided to patients and staff affected by the incident.
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