BREAKING: Gardai issue statement after 'Wild West' incidents in Charleville leave locals 'terrified'

GARDAI are investigating two incidents of criminal damage in Charleville on Friday night which have left local residents "terrified".

The first incident concerns criminal damage by fire that occurred at a domestic residence in the Fortlands area of Charleville, County Cork on Friday evening (September 13) at approximately 8.50pm.

According to gardai, no persons were in the building at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported at the time. The scene was preserved and a technical examination was carried out.

Gardaí are also investigating an incident of criminal damage to a car that occurred in the Rathgoggin area of Charleville later in the evening, at approximately 9.55pm. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information in relation to these incidents to contact them.

Footage -  which is understood to be of the alleged incidents - is being shared on social media. It shows a group of men wearing balaclavas smashing the windows of the house with a crowbar before shots are heard. 

Residents who contacted Limerick Live this Saturday about the incidents said that local people are “terrified” by the level of violence involved.  

“These are residential estates. This type of violence has been ongoing since last December. It is like the Wild West in Charleville. Nobody feels like they can speak up for fear of intimidation,” said one resident. 

Any person, including road users and pedestrians, who were in the Charleville area, between 5.00pm and 11.00pm on Friday, September 13, 2024, and who observed any unusual activity, is asked to contact investigating gardaí.

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Gardaí are also appealing for information in relation to an Audi A6, a white Skoda Rapid, a BMW and a silver Ford Focus car, travelling in the Charleville area at this time.

Any road users or pedestrians who were travelling in the area during this time and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) are asked to make this available to gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station on 022 31450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

Investigations are ongoing.