Men armed with gun and and slash hooks storm house in Limerick town

GARDAI are investigating the latest violent incident to occur in Rathkeale in recent weeks and months.

A number of men armed with a gun and wielding weapons including slash hooks, golf clubs and iron bars stormed a dwelling house in the early hours of this Tuesday morning. 

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It is understood extensive damage was caused to the property. No injuries have been reported.

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí received a report of an incident of criminal damage that occurred at a domestic residence in Rathkeale on Tuesday, October 28 at approximately 12:45 am. Investigations are ongoing.”

It is the latest serious incident in and, in the vicinity, of Rathkeale in recent months. They include a camper van parked in the town being torched in an arson attack, a man being shot, an attempted chemical attack on a man in a pub and four houses being firebombed.

The town’s population will swell dramatically from next month as members of the Travelling community traditionally return home from Christmas. 

Local councillor, Adam Teskey has reiterated calls for extra gardai that he has made on a number of occasions.

The Fine Gael councillor said “now, more than ever, we need more gardai”.