Several cars burnt out during snow time disturbances in Tallaght

Gardaí believe that several vehicles burnt out in Tallaght were set alight in the wake of the looting of nearby Lidl store

A number of vehicles were destroyed by fire in disturbances in the Tallaght area of west Dublin on Friday night.

The cars were left stranded by their owners in large snow drifts and others parked outside houses were destroyed in the arson attacks.

The perpetrators of this mindless act of vandalism and destruction obviously thought they could get away with their crimes with impunity due to the adverse weather conditions and the National Red Alert Status.

The arson attacks were carried out as emergency services were restoring order in the general area.

The charred shells of the vehicles were still on the streets on Saturday morning as removal was restricted by the weather in accessing the affected areas.

Gardaí believe the cars were set alight in an attack of vandalism by a group of people who appeared to be taking advantage of the fact that gardaí could not access some areas because of large snow drifts.

The trouble began at about 5pm when the Lidl store at Fortunestown Lane in Citywest was broken into. A large number of people gained access to the shop and looted it.

A mechanical digger was then used to ram the roof of the shop, causing significant structural damage. A safe and ATM cash machine was also taken from the shop using the digger.

Gardaí who were first called to the area were forced to draw their batons and use pepper spray when they were met by a hostile large group.

They withdrew and a larger number of gardaí then arrived and had to be ferried into the area in Army vehicles capable of getting through the snow drifts.

Nine arrests were made. Two other shops were targeted, a Centra store in Jobstown and a Topaz garage in Citywest.

During the unrest, six cars were burnt out at Fortunestown Way, and there were reports of other vehicles being burnt out closeby.

Author

Justin Kavanagh
Justin Kavanagh is a recognised leader in automotive intelligence and vehicle data supply to the entire motor industry. He has almost 20 years experience in building systems from the ground up. As the Managing Director of Vehicle Management System, he understands the need and importance of trustworthy and reliable vehicle history and advice to both the trade and the public.
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