Teens arrested over assault, burning of hearse and vandalism

GARDAÍ in Youghal, Co Cork, arrested two young men yesterday in connection with a vicious assault, the burning of a hearse and the vandalism of a number of paintings.

It is believed another man is being sought in connection with at least two of the incidents, which took place during the early hours of yesterday morning.

The first incident happened in Ashe Street at approximately 1.45am, when three men in their late teens broke into a hearse.

Gardaí believe the men tried unsuccessfully to hotwire the vehicle before deliberately setting it on fire, damaging another car parked nearby. Local firebrigade units managed to stop the blaze spreading to other property.

Later, gardaí believe the same three young men called to a rented house on Cork Hill, where, sometime before 3am, a row broke out and the householder, who is in his mid-30s, was viciously beaten.

He was rushed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital where he was being treated for head injuries and a number of slash-type wounds to his body.

Gardaí said while the beating was savage it was fortunate the man’s injuries were not life-threatening. Detectives hope he will shortly recover enough to enable then to interview him.

No arrests were made at the scene.

At around 6am, gardaí on patrol in the town noticed two young men acting suspiciously in the vicinity of the Carlton Wharf apartments complex.

Gardaí who went inside the building found a number of paintings in the lobby had been badly damaged and they arrested the men.

A garda spokesman said the men, who are locals, were being questioned about the incident at Carlton Wharf and would also be interviewed in relation to the attack on the man and the burning of the hearse.

“We are satisfied a third person was also in the house when the attack took place and we will be seeking to speak to that person,” the spokesman said.

Anyone who may have witnessed any of the incidents is asked to contact Youghal Garda Station at (024) 92200.