Gardaí used pepper spray to end fight

Gardaí in Cork city were forced to deploy pepper spray in an effort to diffuse a fight between three non-nationals last night that resulted in one female garda being knocked the ground.

A marked Garda mobile unit was driving along Grand Parade when it was flagged down by a member of the public concerned that a fight had broken out.

When gardaí went to the scene, two of the men became aggressive, according to a Garda spokesman.

“They went to try and placate the men but two of them became aggressive and gardaí were forced to deploy pepper spray in an effort to defend themselves and subdue the men,” the spokesman said.

Gardaí requested back-up. One man was arrested. The Garda spokesperson said it was anticipated charges would be preferred against him for Public Order Offences. It is understood the man had drink taken.

Gardaí who used pepper spray had to be subsequently hosed down at the scene by members of the fire service to remove the saline residue caused by the pepper spray.

In a separate incident on the Watercourse Road, a man was taken to the Mercy University Hospital for treatment after threatening to douse himself with a can of accelerant.

Gardaí, the fire service, and an ambulance attended the scene at about 7.15pm.

The incident occurred outside Watercourse Road Garda station which was closed at the time.