Ireland youth international Tega Agberhiere suffers serious burns after acid attack
Talented footballer Tega Agberhiere and two friends were targeted in the horror assault in Waterford on Thursday
A REPUBLIC of Ireland youth international is recovering in hospital with facial burns following an alleged acid attack.
Talented footballer Tega Agberhiere was one of three victims targeted in Waterford city late on Thursday.
It is understood the three boys, all aged 17, were attacked by a gang of youths following an alleged altercation.
During the alleged assault, it is believed the chemical substance was thrown on the young men.
Police have arrested four youths in connection with the alleged assault and violent disorder incident.
A police spokesperson said this morning: "Four youths have been arrested by Gardaí investigating alleged incidents of assault and violent disorder in Waterford City on Thursday 25th April, 2019.
"At approximately 11pm a number of youths were involved in a serious altercation at Earlscourt, Waterford.
"It’s understood a corrosive substance was used in the incident."
Four suspects were arrested and released, with the authorities appealing for witnesses.
Agberhiere, who plays for Waterford FC under 17s, was rushed to hospital after suffering burns to his face during the incident, while the other two victims also suffered burns.
His mother Christy was horrified and worried about the attack.
MUM'S ANGER
She told Morning Ireland on RTE Radio 1: "I'm angry, I'm not happy about the whole thing because it should not happen to anybody. Not even my son, not anybody's son.
"It shouldn't happen because it has affected the community as a whole.
"I am the mother and I am not happy about it at all because he's supposed to be at school not going to Cork (hospital).
"It's uncalled for, it's unreal, it's really shocking. I am in shock, I am still in shock.
"Even an adult would be emotionally down but all I have to do as a mother is lift his spirit and make him positive, that's it.
"We've been in the hospital since Thursday, he's been receiving treatment, they are trying their best.
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"They're doing everything for him to get well and recover fully.
"He got burns on his face.
"Why my son? Why him?"
