Tom Grennan

Singer with local roots hospitalised after being attacked in New York

Tom Grennan, the English pop singer with strong family roots in Offaly and Westmeath, has been hospitalised in New York after being the victim of "an unprovoked attack and robbery."

The star, whose father, Martin, is from Ballycumber and who has relatives in Shannonbridge, Ballycumber and Horseleap, sustained several injuries in the incident which happened after his concert in New York's Bowery Ballroom on Wednesday night.

His next scheduled concert, which was due to take place in Washington DC tonight (Friday) has been postponed.

A statement released last night by the singer's management read as follows:

"In the early hours of this morning, after Tom's New York show, he was the victim of an unprovoked attack and robbery outside a bar in Manhattan.

"Tom is currently in hospital being assessed by doctors for his injuries which include a ruptured ear, torn ear drum and issue with his previously fractured jaw.

"Despite this, Tom is in good spirits but needs to temporarily recuperate whilst doctors assess his ability to continue with his touring.

"Tom is desperate not to let anyone down, however we have taken the precautionary decision to postpone the Washington show tomorrow to a later date, with details to follow. We will update on future shows should changes need to be made.

"We wish to thank Tom's incredible US fans for their support and understanding."

The singer was due to continue his US tour until the end of this month, and he has a concert scheduled at the Marquee in Cork on May 31.

He has regularly spoken about his pride in his Offaly roots, including during an appearance on RTE's Late Late Show in December.

"I'm proud to be Irish," Tom told the Sunday World last year. "I love it, and I'm on a big WhatsApp group with my cousins who are all over in Ballycumber, Shannonbridge and Horseleap, which is on the border of Offaly and Westmeath."