Mayo housing estate 'like a riot scene' following overnight criminal damage

Gardai are investigating a spate of criminal damage in Westport overnight in which the local Order of Malta headquarters, a library as well as a HSE residential unit was attacked sustaining extensive damage.

The windows in six cars were also smashed in the attack which occurred around 3 a.m. as well as windows in a minibus operated by the HSE.

Locals described the night’s events as ‘unprecedented’ and ‘shocking’.

Twenty one windows in the Order of Malta building at St. John’s Place were broken in the orgy of destruction.

Eamon Berry, head of the local Order of Malta, this morning described the scene as “like the aftermath of a riot."

He said he was “horrified and shocked” by the extent of the damage.

The Order of Malta building was also used by community groups such as carers for dementia and the ICA,

Mr. Berry told Midwest Radio that in the adjoining HSE building triple glazed windows had been smashed in on top of vulnerable users.

“There is psychological damage also”, he continued. “Broken damage can be repaired."

Mr. Berry went on to describe what happened as ‘frightening’.

Gardai have sealed off the area as a crime scene as they begin their investigations.

A statement by the force outlined: "Gardaí are investigating a criminal damage incident which occurred in Westport earlier today.

"At approximately 3 a.m. a number of vehicles and properties had their windows broken at an estate in the town.

"A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a garda station in the western region."