‘Heinous’ attack on woman in seaside town

THE community in the seaside resort of Ballybunion has been shocked by what gardaí described as a “serious assault’’ on a local woman in her early 20s early on Sunday.

The woman was walking alone in the Sandhill Road area, close to the town centre, when she was set upon at around 2.15am.

Garda experts have forensically examined the scene and are also carrying out house-to-house inquiries.

The area where the incident occurred, near the old Atlantic Hotel site, was sealed off for several hours.

Ballybunion-based Sinn Féin Cllr Robert Beasley yesterday said it was a “heinous’’ crime.

“This is the worst nightmare for any community to have to endure,’’ he said.

“The woman’s family are very upset and, indeed, the entire community is in a state of shock.

“Anyone with information should tell the gardaí everything they know about this attack.’’

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the Sandhill Road area between 2am and 2.30am, on Sunday, to come forward.

An incident room has been set up in Ballybunion garda station: telephone [phone].

In Tralee, gardaí yesterday questioned a man in his late 20s in connection with a hold-up in an internet café in the town, on Monday.

A small sum of money was taken after staff members were held up at knife-point at the café, in Bridge Street.