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A man is recovering in hospital after he was viciously attacked near his home with a machete.

The Traveller was returning to his halting site in Birr Co Offaly when he was approached by a thug wearing a balaclava.

The victim, who is in his late 20s, was struck with the machete and received a number of blows to the back of his head.

The incident took place at Cloncarban lane, Rath at around 8pm on Tuesday.

The victim was brought to Tullamore Hospital where he is still receiving treatment. His injuries are not life-threatening.

The investigation is ongoing.