ALERT: Witnesses sought after 'Wild West' incidents in Cork town leave locals 'terrified'

Gardai in north Cork are investigating two incidents of criminal damage in the Charleville area 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 the town, close to the Limerick border, that occurred 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 say they are also investigating an incident of criminal damage to a car that occurred in the Rathgoggin area of Charleville later in the same evening, at approximately 9.55pm. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information in relation to these incidents to contact them.

Video footage -  which is understood to be of the alleged incidents - is being widely shared on social media.

Local residents have 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 5pm and 11pm 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.