FARMER, 26, WAS LEFT WITH LIFE-CHANGING INJURIES

Officers arrested a man in connection with an attempted murder in Lifford. He has since been released and a file will be prepared for the DPP

- BY MICHAEL O'TOOLE

GARDAI have arrested a second suspect in connection with the crime gang attack which left a young farmer fighting for his life.

The man, who is in his 40s, was arrested on Monday as part of the probe into the assault on Charles Dooher in Lifford, Co Donegal, in January.

The 26-year-old suffered life-changing injuries in the attack on him and his father - which was so serious that gardai have reclassified it as attempted murder.

Investigators believe they were attacked by a Derry-based crime gang.

Mr Dooher was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast while dad, Charles Snr, who is in his 60s, was less seriously injured. A five-strong gang of masked men burst into the family home Coneyburrow Road and beat both men around the head and body - in what started off as an aggravated burglary and ended up as an attempt to kill the younger man.

He lost part of his skull in the attack and there were fears he could die but after numerous operations, including having a metal plate inserted in his head, has made a miraculous recovery.

In May, he delighted family and friends by returning to his local GAA club in Lifford to meet pals.

BORDER