The Mayo business woman Regina Sweeney is recovering in hospital - after being attacked in her home for a third time.

It's understood the 36 year old boutique owner was in her premises in Breaffy, just outside Castlebar, at around a quarter past five yesterday evening, when the vicious assault took place.

She has been taken to hospital - but her injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

It's the third time she's been attacked in her home within the past six months - first in early December and then in February.

There is local speculation a criminal gang, possibly with Limerick connections, may be involved in the attacks on Ms Sweeney because of her Garda connections.

Her husband Declan is a detective based in Castlebar.