VIDEO: Gardai following 'definite line of enquiry' after public order incidents
Three Gardai were injured during public order incidents in the Market Square area of Navan last Tuesday night involving some of a group of up to 15 youths. Video of the incidents surfaced on social media.
A large group of youths was hanging around the Metges Lane area at around 8.30pm when a garda who was on the beat approached and asked them to move on. They moved a short distance but some started to abuse him.
A patrol car arrived as back-up and two more gardai approached but as they went to arrest one of the juveniles, the gardai were assaulted.
During the incident, a female garda was knocked to the ground and one of the youths stood on her arm. The gardai were kicked and punched and while they were not seriously injured, they did suffer bruising and were due to seek medical attention the next day.
One male, who was a juvenile, was arrested and taken to Trim Garda Station. A file will now be sent to the National Juvenile Liaison Office for direction.
Gardai returned to the area at around 10pm where a number of youths has assembled again and there was some anti-social behaviour. As Gardai attempted to make arrests, gardai were again assaulted with kicks and punches. Three youths- two males and a female- were arrested and taken to Ashbourne Garda Station. As they are juveniles, a file will be prepared for the National Juvenile Liaison Office for direction.
Gardai say they are following a definite line of enquiry in relation to the incident and are in the process of identifying everybody who was part of this group. CCTV is being examined in the area as part of the investigation.
Any witnesses, including anybody with dash cam or mobile phone footage is asked to contact contact the Incident Room at Navan Garda Station on (046) 9079930 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666111.
There are ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour in the Metges Lane and Market Square area and gardai have been increasing patrols in the area in response.