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knockbridge
Suspected arson attack on off-duty gardaí cars condemned as investigation launched
The incident has been described as ‘intimidation’ by local Fianna Fáil TD Declan Breathnach.
LAST UPDATE | 10 Apr 2019
CRIMINALS BEHIND A suspected arson attack on cars believed to belong to off-duty gardaí in county Louth have been condemned.
The three cars were parked in a private housing estate in Knockbridge and at this stage it is thought that one was set on fire which resulted in damage being caused to the cars parked beside it.
The overnight incident has been described as “intimidation” by local Fianna Fáil TD Declan Breathnach.
Breathnach, who lives in Knockbridge, has said “intimidation of gardaí or officers of our State is not something the vast majority of citizens of this State support”.
“I condemn such actions by those criminals who’s activity in my area is not reflective of the residents of Knockbridge or Co Louth,” he added.
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has also condemned the attack.
“Regrettably, the targeting of gardaí working to protect communities is becoming more common and shows the need for regular risk assessments to be carried out for officers investigating violent and serious crime,” GRA general secretary Pat Ennis said.
“On behalf of all GRA members, I extend our support to these officers and offer any assistance we can,” he said.
Attacking the property of committed public servants who have been victimised for carrying out their duty is a serious crime and I very much hope those responsible are brought to justice as soon as possible and dealt with appropriately by the courts.
Ennis urged anyone with information in relation to the attack to contact gardaí.
The Garda Press Office did not confirm who owned the vehicles.
In a statement it said: “Gardaí in Dundalk are investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred to a car at a house in Knockbridge, Dundalk in the early hours this morning.”
It said that no one was injured and “investigations are ongoing”.
With reporting by Hayley Halpin
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