A young Irish immigrant is fighting for his life in Perth after a weekend stabbing in the western Australian city.
One man has been arrested after 21-year-old Kenny Meyler was stabbed and left in a critical condition.
Local media in Perth have reported that a man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Wexford native Meyler had emigrated to Australia two years ago and is reported to be in a critical condition in hospital.
Reports say a 32-year-old man has been remanded in custody charged with causing grievous bodily harm.
The Irish Times reports that Meyler was stabbed in the neck with a large knife at a property on Helmsley Street in Scarborough, Perth.
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Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to his family after mum Melanie arrived in Perth on Tuesday morning.
Joan Ross from the Perth-based Claddagh Association told reporters that that the Meyler family is ‘distraught.’
She said: “We have made contact with the young man’s family who are going through an awful time. When they arrived in Perth today they went straight to the hospital. They are just distraught.
“They are going to be staying with friends and we will assist them in any way we can. We have also been in touch with the Department of Foreign Affairs and are working with them to help those involved.”
A keen boxing enthusiast, Kenny was a well known member of Wexford CBS Boxing Club before he emigrated.
Club trainer Eddie Bolger said: “‘It is a shock but hopefully he’ll come through. I knew him in the club but he was more into the training end than competitive boxing.
“He would have sparred with all of the top boxers in the club, many of whom would have gone on to provincial and national success.”
Meyler family friend Frankie Kelly said: “I know the Meyler family and have known Kenny since he was a little lad. Everyone is just shocked.
“We’re just praying now he comes through. And it comes after we lost Nicola Furlong so that’s two incidents abroad involving people from Wexford town which is just unbelievable.”
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