Calls for more gardaí in Cork after riot squad deployed over public order concerns
There are calls for increased Garda resources to clamp down on violent attacks and crime in Cork city.
Armed gardaí as well as the force’s riot squad were deployed to Cork city centre last night after reports that a high-profile shop on St Patrick’s St
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The Garda Public Order Unit, commonly known as the riot squad, along with a single armed support unit, were sent to patrol the streets of Cork City centre amid fears that a group of teenagers were about to go on the rampage.
There were also a number of gardaí on foot patrol.
Shortly after 6pm, a group of up to 100 teenagers with their faces covered could be seen running along St Patrick’s St after a notice was posted on Twitter by an unknown individual or group calling for a raid on JD Sports.
The message was circulated on social media advising people to gather outside McDonald’s on Winthrop St, off St Patrick’s St, at 5.30pm.
The message stated: “Dress code. You must wear all black with bally [balaclava] and gloves. You only have one minute to yam that shop. This is at your own risk. Don’t come if you can’t run.”
Local councillor Ken O'Flynn said it is the latest in a series of worrying incidents in the city.
"It's an extremely worrying development in the city," said Mr O Flynn.
"As you know we've had a number of attacks in the city, violent attacks in the city in the recent past.
"Cork city isn't used to that type of behaviour. Cork city is normally a safe environment with a good shopping environment.
It's shocking, it's disappointing, it's disgusting to see.
"This is down to the lack of garda resources."
Local councillor Des Cahill says the incident was "truly shocking" and "bizarre".
He said those involved should think about the people and the businesses they are affecting and of the potential knock-on effects
Has added the people involved should also worry about themselves, saying they will get into trouble if caught.
A garda spokesperson today said that there had been no arrests following the incident.
Gardaí said last night they deployed additional resources to the area after being made aware of the potential for an incident.
Speaking last night, Labour councillor John Maher called for all those involved in the suspected pre-planned incident in Cork to face the full weight of the law.
It is believed the foiled incident may have been modelled on a gang raid of a JD Store in London on Halloween night last week which is being investigated by Scotland Yard.
A gang of masked and hooded youths looted a JD Sports store in north London, grabbing handfuls of branded clothing before fleeing the scene.
