Three Gardai injured during public order incident

Three Gardai were injured during a major public order incident in the Market Square area of Navan last night involving a group of up to 15 youths.

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 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 gardaí were kicked and punched and while they were not seriously injured, they did suffer bruising and were due to seek medical attention today. 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 were engaged in anti-social behaviour. As Gardai attempted to make arrests, a number of youths resisted arrest and again gardaí were 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 the group. CCTV is being examined in the area as part of the investigation.

Any witnesses, including anybody with dashcam 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 gardaí have been increasing patrols in the area in response.