More garda developments after violent attacks

There have been further arrests in relation to two violent attacks which have shocked Athlone this week.

Gardaí have confirmed this morning that an adult and a juvenile are currently being questioned in Athlone Garda Station in relation to the incidents.

It follows the arrest of three males yesterday after a taxi driver was attacked and stabbed in Coosan in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and the assault of an elderly shopkeeper at The Cova Shop, Ballymahon road, later that evening.

One of the trio detained yesterday, a juvenile, has been released without charge in relation to the incidents. However, he has been charged with unrelated offences, according to Gardaí.

In all, there are now four people, three of which are under the age of 18, currently in custody in relation to both violent attacks.

Three of the detained group are currently being questioned in relation to the brutal assault of a shopkeeper at the The Cova Shop around 5.45pm on Tuesday evening.

Three youths armed with a firearm and an iron bar entered the shop and threatened the shopkeeper, a man in his 70s, before hitting him over the head several times. They later left the scene on foot empty handed.

The injured man was later taken to Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe where he was treated for head injuries. He was later discharged.

The remaining person in detention is being questioned in relation to the assault on an elderly taxi driver in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Coosan.

At approximately 1.30am a male taxi driver in his 70s picked up two males at Church Street, Athlone and drove to Bloomfield Drive in Coosan where he was threatened and assaulted by his passengers.

He sustained a number of stab wounds during the incident. The two males fled scene on foot with a small amount of cash.

The injured man was later taken to Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe and has since been released.

Three of those currently in detention are believed to be from the Athlone area, while one is said to have local connections.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to contact Athlone Garda Station 090 6498550 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.