Gardai investigate alleged use of pepper spray

Gardai in Athlone are this week investigating the alleged use of pepper spray during an attack on a couple after mass at the weekend. A couple who had left mass at the Friary were attacked at The Strand at about 8pm on Saturday evening by a lone male assailant. It is alleged pepper spray was used in the attack before the man threatened them with a knife in a foiled mugging. The attacker escaped without getting any property, but the woman sustained minor injuries. Sgt John Lawless confirmed that the Gardai were investigating the alleged use of pepper spray and appealed for any witnesses to the attack to contact Athlone Garda Station on 090 6492609. He added that Gardai were also anxious to speak to two people who went to the assistance of the couple. In a separate incident Gardai arrested a 39 year old local man in relation to an incident where a taxi driver was threatened with a knife earlier on Saturday. At about 1.45am on Saturday, February 28, a taxi driver was threatened by a man with a knife in the Willow Park area, who demanded money. He left the scene without money and a short time later a 39 year old local man was arrested for questioning. Gardai are now preparing a file for the DPP in relation to this incident.