Call to 'reject hatred' following Laois assaults

A local businessman has called on the community to stand up to racism after an early morning attack on the streets of Portlaoise.

Gardaí are appealing for information following an assault on two men, both aged in their 30s, in the Lyster Square area of Portlaoise in the early hours of Saturday morning. 

They are asking for witnesses of anyone with information to come forward following the assaults on the two males.

Pakistani native Naeem Iqbal, who ran in the local elections for Fianna Fail last year, posted a video in relation to the incident which occurred in Portlaoise in the early hours of Saturday morning. 

He said this wasn't a one-off incident, cliaming there have been a number incidents in recent weeks. 

“In the early hours of this morning, between 3 am and 4am, two of our dear friends were brutally attacked by a group of men and women near Portlaoise Main Street.

Our hearts are heavy, and our community is deeply shaken by this senseless act of violence. No one deserves to be treated in such a way. We are standing with our friends and their families during this painful time, and we are grateful to the Gardaí for their swift action and continued support,” Mr Iqbal said in an online post on Saturday. 

“We call on all peaceful and compassionate people across Ireland to come together in unity and reject hatred in every form. Let us not allow fear or division to take root in our communities. Together, we are stronger — and together, we will stand for peace, respect, and justice.”

Anyone who witnessed the assault or has any information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100.