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Ice-cream van operators in violent turf war

A violent incident in a town on the outskirts of Cork City may have been sparked by a turf war involving ice-cream van operators.

Gardaí are investigating the mid-morning street fight involving a number of men, which led to one being hospitalised.

Two opposing groups — some of whom were armed — clashed in a normally peaceful suburb over who controlled what patch. The incident took place in Glanmire, Co Cork, on Tuesday, at around 11.45am.

One man received a serious head injury when he was struck by what Garda sources say was “a sharp instrument”. Gardaí are still searching for the weapon. He was taken to Cork University Hospital after the fight.

The man’s injuries were not life threatening and he has since been released from hospital.

Garda sources said they had received some complaints in the past from both of the groups, but these had related to “alleged verbal altercations” and, to their knowledge, this was the first time that physical violence had manifested itself in the dispute.

Gardaí are expected to question a number of men in the coming days who they believe took part in the fight that erupted in Hazelwood.

While Garda sources indicated that territorial disputes often take place between casual traders, this was believed to be the first time violence broke out in the region involving ice cream van operators.

It is understood gardaí have been following a definite line of inquiry.

However, they have appealed to members of the public who witnessed the fight to contact Glanmire garda station at 021 4821002, or Cobh Garda Station at 021 4908530.

A number of parents who live in the area said they would be reluctant in future to let their children buy treats from such vans for fear there could be a repetition of the violence witnessed earlier this week.

One parent, who did not to be identified, said he “couldn’t believe that such a thing could happen in broad daylight” in a peaceful suburb. “It’s an absolute disgrace,” he said.

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