Gardai have appealed for witnesses after a young woman (29) was subjected to an alleged mutilation-style attack on a city street.

The woman, in her 20s, was apparently singled out by a lone male attacker and then had her face repeatedly slashed with what gardaí believe was a Stanley knife or razor.

The attack, which occurred yesterday morning, took place at Ardfallen Terrace, off Friar Street in Cork city centre.

After the attack, the man then fled the scene on foot.

Pedestrians ran to the aid of the distressed woman who was cradling her face and screaming for help.

Locals admitted they were deeply shocked by the savage nature of the attack.

When paramedics arrived, the young woman's face was a mask of blood.

She was rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH) where she underwent emergency surgery.

Her injuries are not life-threatening and are described as being of a disfiguring nature.

It is understood she now faces the prospect of extensive plastic surgery procedures.

Detectives suspect that the woman was deliberately singled out in an attack designed to mutilate rather than kill.

The weapon used was either a Stanley knife or a razor-like instrument.

The woman remains sedated in CUH but gardaí hope to interview her once she has recovered to determine if she has any clues as to the possible identity of her attacker.

They also want to determine if anyone might have a grudge against the young woman.

Gardaí said there is absolutely no indication the attack was a robbery which went wrong.

It appears that the man waited in the area for the woman to park her car, attacking her only when she had locked the vehicle and then attempted to walk away.

The attack lasted for only a matter of minutes.

Detectives are now checking CCTV security camera footage from around the area to determine all pedestrian movements on Wednesday.

Gardai are appealing to anybody who was in the vicinity of Ardfallen Terrace and Friar Street between 11am and 11.40am yesterday morning in particular to contact them. Anybody with information is asked to contact the Bridewell Garda station on 021-4943332 or the Garda Confidential line 1800-666-111.

Online Editors