‘I’m in shock’ Mother tells of son’s corrosive substance attack in Waterford

"It shouldn't have happened to anybody."

A mother has told of her shock after her son was attacked with a corrosive substance in Waterford. Christy Agberhiere's son, Tega, was injured in the attack on Thursday night along with two other teenagers. The 17-year-old suffered first degree burns to his face as a result of the assault in the Earlscourt estate. The three teenagers were taken to Waterford University Hospital following the incident. Agberhiere told RTÉ's Morning Ireland that she was in shock and angry that the attack had taken place. "He got first degree burns on his face," she said. "I'm angry, I'm not happy about the whole thing because it shouldn't have happened to anybody." "It has affected the whole community. It's really shocking, I'm in shock. I'm still in shock. Even an adult, emotionally, you would be damaged." Two of the victims of the attack are athletes with one having played underage football for Ireland and the other a skilled hurler. Agberhiere said that her son should be in school, but rather he is receiving treatment in the hospital. She said that on the day Tega was attacked, he had attended Leaving Cert grinds and gone to an under 17s football training session. He had also met up with friends. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the attack to come forward.