Garda Chief condemns Halloween havoc in Ballina

HALLOWEEN incidents in Ballina last night (Saturday) in which firemen were stoned and a petrol bomb was flung at a car occupied by two community gardai has been condemned by the local Garda Superintendent, writes Tom Shiel.

Commenting on incidents at Greenhills Estate, where a large bonfire was blazing, Supt. Joe Doherty said: “The incidents were very serious. Luckily nobody was injured.'

Members of Ballina fire brigade, responding to a callout, were met with a stone throwing mob of up to 15 youths and had to beat a retreat.

When two local community gardai in a patrol van went to the scene , a petrol bomb was thrown but missed its target.

In a follow up operation later, gardai arrested one youth under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

He was released later and a file will be prepared for the DPP on the matter.