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Murder investigation launched in Ireland after man killed by armed gang at his home

Mikolaj Wilk, 35, died in hospital after the attack and his partner suffered serious injuries

Peter Stubley
Monday 11 June 2018 01:10 BST
Police at the murder scene in Ballincollig, County Cork
Police at the murder scene in Ballincollig, County Cork (Pascal Sheehy)

A businessman has died after he and his partner were attacked by an armed gang at their home near the town of Ballincollig in County Cork.

Mikolaj Wilk, a 35 year-old Polish national, was targeted by "a number of men with weapons" shortly after 3am in a quiet cul-de-sac in Maglin.

Two young children were also staying at the house when Mr Wilk and his partner, who is in her early 30s, were seriously injured.

Mr Wilk was pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital at 5.30am but the woman's injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The children and another woman in her 30s escaped unharmed.

Gardai launched a murder investigation and appealed for information from anyone who noticed "unusual or suspicious activities" in the area.

Superintendent Colm O'Sullivan told reporters at the scene: "Mr Wilk has left a family, a wife behind as well as friends in the Polish community and the wider community in Ballincollig and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

Mr Wilk, who was alsso known as Nick, ran a garden maintenance business and had been living in Ireland for several years, according to local media.

Police did not give details of the weapons used, describing it only as a "serious assault", but the TV3 channel reported that the gang were armed with machetes.

"On arrival, Gardaí found Mr. Wilk seriously injured with life threatening injuries," the police said in a statement.

"They gave medical attention while awaiting the arrival of the paramedics.

"Mr. Wilk was removed to the Cork University Hospital, where, unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the medical teams at the hospital, Mr. Wilk died of his injuries.

"His partner, was also removed to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries."

The attackers are believed to have abandoned and set fire to their car shortly after the attack on Mr Wilk and his girlfriend.

Cork County Fire Service found the BMW 3 series in Waterfall around six kilometres from the murder scene at the Bridge House, Maglin, Ballincollig. We believe this car to be a BMW 3 series. Both scenes are currently being preserved and undergoing forensic examinations.

"The house is currently preserved for a technical examination," the Garda said in a statement.

"We are particularly anxious to speak to any drivers who may have dashcam footage and travelled in the following areas, Maglin, Ballincollig, Ballinora and Waterfall areas between 2am and 5am this morning or if you saw any suspicious or unusual activities in these areas within the last three days."

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