Suspected arson attack overnight at home in Co Wicklow

The attack occurred in a housing estate on the edge of Blessington.

GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING a suspected arson attack in Co Wicklow.

No injuries have been reported from the incident which occurred at about 1:25am this morning at a residence in Glending Square, Blessington.

Windows of the house were broken from the blast, while black stains were visible on the wall with a fire alarm continuing to blare this morning, according to locals at the scene who spoke to The Journal.

Gardaí have said that the house was extensively damaged and that as of yet no arrests have been made.

Locals said it only the latest such incident in recent months in the estate, with an “atmosphere of fear” pervading the area, with last night’s attack only the latest such incident in recent months in the estate according to a local Independent councillor.

It is understood to be part of a feud between families in the wider area.

“It’s dreadful to see the fear in people there this morning. It’s not acceptable and there have to be moves made so this never happens again,” Councillor Gerry O’Neill told The Journal. “There are great people in Glending and it’s not fair on them.”

Gardaí said an incident of criminal damage also occurred in the area last June, which saw a suspected fire attack on a home.

A male in his 20s was arrested in relation to this incident and appeared before Dublin District Court in September, a Garda spokeswoman said.

O’Neill said there a number of families with young children as well as elderly residents in the estate.

“I am calling on the local authority to address the issue urgently and sort it out once and for all.”

Speaking about last night’s incident, An Garda Síochána said in a statement:

The scene at the residence on Glending Square remains preserved for technical examination.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident and for any persons who were in the Glending Square vicinity between 1am and 2am and observed any activity which drew their attention to come forward.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the Glending Square area between 1am and 2am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blessington Garda Station.