A man remains in garda custody this morning in connection with a stabbing incident in Ballina yesterday morning – in which a man in his 50s remains critically ill in hospital.

Gardai in Ballina are appealing for witnesses to the incident.

A 54-year-old man remains critically ill at Mayo General hospital in Castlebar following a stabbing in Ballina.

The victim, who is well-known locally, was stabbed on his doorstep at around 4am yesterday morning.

He suffered a number of  knife wounds and lost a significant amount of blood.

The man was rushed by ambulance to Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar.

The incident occurred at Tom Clarke Place in the Parkside area of the town at the man's home where he lived with his older brother.

The victim underwent emergency surgery.

Gardaí yesterday arrested a man in his 20s in connection with the stabbing.

It is understood the victim and the suspect know each other.

The suspect is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Ballina Garda Station.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses, and want anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Tom Clarke Place in the early hours of yesterday morning to contact Ballina Garda Station on 096 20560.