The community in Ratoath was in shock this week at the intimidation of a local couple who were beaten up by a gang of youths a week ago and had their home and car attacked this weekend.

Calls for additional gardai on the beat in Ratoath, as well as a replacement for the community garda who was transferred recently, have been made in the wake of the attack, which was described by local councillor, Nick Killian, as "particularly nasty".

Residents of Ratoath now claim that the Riverwalk in the town is becoming a 'no go' area, particularly at night, with groups of up to 30 teenagers drinking there, sometimes in broad daylight and intimidating anyone trying to use the walkway.

Cllr Killian said he was absolutely appalled at the physical violence meted out to the local couple who were going home by the Riverwalk last Saturday week, by a teenage male and two teenage girls.

Cllr Killian said the bridge at the Riverwalk was blocked by young people who had lit a fire. "They physically blocked the couple from passing by. When they tried to pass the bridge a second time, the young fellow jumped on the man and the two girls assaulted his wife," he said.