Hoax bomb at Kerry court and suspected arson attack in Limerick

A bomb-like device was left at a Kerry courthouse and a suspected arson attack at a Limerick restaurant saw 10 people evacuated from a block of apartments.

The hoax bomb left at the courthouse in Main St, Cahersiveen, Co Kerry, yesterday morning — before the monthly sitting of the court — was designed to disrupt the court or prevent it going ahead altogether, gardaí believe.

The device, described as “an elaborate hoax”, consisted of wires attached to a number of pressurised cans, and was discovered at around 8:30am.

Gardaí inspected the device which was described as a crude but good attempt. The army bomb disposal team were summoned from Cork.

They deployed a robot and X-rayed the suspicious device. The Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit are now carrying out a forensic examination for trace evidence.

Garda Inspector John Brennan described it as “an elaborate hoax”, but one which is being fully investigated.

The December Cahersiveen court, presided over by District Judge James O’Connor, included youth, family law, and a review of fines and poor box and such matters — it went ahead in the community centre.

Witnesses can contact Cahersiveen gardaí on 066-9473600 with any information.

Meanwhile, 10 people were evacuated from a Limerick city centre block of apartments yesterday morning after a suspected arson attack at a Japanese restaurant located on the ground floor of the building.

Gardaí sealed off the three-storey building, and Taikichi Japanese Restaurant, on O’Connell St and a Garda Scenes of Crime Unit carried out a forensic examination of the scene.

Garda sources have confirmed a man wearing a hoody and a balaclava was seen on CCTV apparently pouring liquid in through the restaurant front door.

Contact gardaí at Henry Street station on 061-212400 or the Garda Confidential Hotline on 1800-666-111.