BREAKING: Thousands of euro worth of damage caused in suspected Longford garage arson attack
Gardaí are currently at the scene of a suspected arson attack at a Longford garage during the early hours of this morning that left several cars damaged beyond repair.
The incident took place at around 2am at Inter Cars, a crash repair commercial premises just off Longford town's Strokestown Road shortly before 2am.
Gardaí and fire services from Longford raced to the scene and successfully managed to prevent the blaze from spreading to several other cars parked up outside and adjoining businesses.
A garda forensic officer at the scene this morning
"Gardaí and Emergency Services attended the scene of an incident of criminal damage by fire that occurred at a business property in Longford Town at 1.45am today, the 15th June 2023," said a garda spokesperson.
"No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made."
Local Cllr Gerry Warnock condemned the attack, saying the episode would only deal further damage to Longford's reputation at large.
"It is extremely disappointing and unhelpful to see this type of criminal behaviour rear its head after such a period of relative peace and calm in the Longford town area," he said.
The Independent local representative called into question the rationale behind an incident at a time when Longford's local economy is battling for survival.
"I would appeal to these people to cease and desist from this type of activity," he said.
"Do they not realise there are people in business trying to keep their doors open and this type of reputational damage to a town and county is very unhelpful in these very difficult times."