Search on for arsonist who threw petrol bomb through pub window
Detectives working on the case say it is very fortunate that the petrol bomb didn’t cause extensive damage to the St Leger pub at Main Street, Doneraile.
At around 3.00am, somebody threw a rock through the window of the pub. They then lobbed in the petrol bomb, which exploded inside.
“There was another window inside which wasn’t broken. If the container had gone through that then we could have been dealing with very serious consequences,” a senior garda spokesman said.
He added that the publican, who lives in the premises, was able to put the fire out quite quickly.
“We don’t have any motive for this incident at the moment. Our investigation is continuing,” the spokesman said.
The scene has been examined by forensic experts who are searching for clues which may reveal the identity of the arsonist.
Gardaí in Mallow are anxious to hear from anybody who may have noticed anything suspicious in the area between 2.30am and 3.00am.
Meanwhile, Mallow gardaí are also investigating a robbery which took place around the same time at a well-known restaurant near Ballyhea.
Shortly after 3.00am, two thieves wearing balaclavas forced open the rear door at Corbett Court restaurant.
Once inside they forced open a safe and made off with its contents.
Detectives who examined CCTV footage taken at the scene said the robbery took less than three minutes.
Both men were wearing balaclavas. One wore a dark tracksuit and the other a light-coloured one.
“They could well have had an accomplice waiting for them outside in a car.
“Whoever did this knew where they were going when they got inside,” the garda spokesman said.
It is believed the thieves made off with around €1,000.
It’s the second time the restaurant has been robbed. In February 2008 a gang broke in and used an angle grinder to cut open a safe and got away with a considerable amount of money.
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