Investigations ongoing into 'youth rampage' in northside of Cork City

A car crashed and went on fire and fireworks were set off and were allegedly aimed at first responders in Knocknaheeny, sources said. Picture: We Are Cork

Fireworks were allegedly discharged “like missiles” and at head-height during a “youth rampage” in the northside of Cork City on Tuesday night.

Youths had reportedly gathered for an anniversary commemoration for a young man who died tragically before the mayhem erupted in Knocknaheeny after 7pm.

A car crashed and went on fire and fireworks were set off and were allegedly aimed at first responders, sources said.

Two teenagers were taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

Gangs of youths, with faces covered, went on a “rampage” and used fireworks "like missiles", a source said.

Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould said that such incidents would not be permitted in other parts of Cork city. 

He called on senior management to ensure that more gardaí are stationed in Cork. 

“These gatherings are being organised through WhatsApp and Instagram and social media and gangs of youths are turning up," he said.

“People must be brought before the courts. Communities should not be living in fear."

Mr Gould contacted the Justice Minister and Garda Commissioner on Wednesday about the incident.

"We need a policing in plan in place so that an incident like this cannon happen again."

Fianna Fáil councillor Tony Fitzgerald was at the scene on Tuesday night where he saw some 70 people gathered by a burning car.

People were also leaving the nearby St Vincent’s GAA club after hurling practice at the time, he said.

Local residents were very fearful. It was an unacceptable situation. Those involved need to be mindful that there were children in the area.

“And it's not in keeping with the spirit of the community.” 

However, gardaí were sufficiently resourced on Tuesday night, he said. “I want to pay tribute to the gardaí who were on duty there and the emergency services. There were plenty of gardaí there.” 

Local Sinn Féin councillor Mick Nugent was also at the scene.

He said that there was a similar issue 12 months ago, marking the anniversary of a young man who passed away.

“The whole incident lasted about one and a half hours and then it all calmed down. It does bring a few things into focus, like garda numbers. Gardaí at the scene seemed under pressure.

“It’s an unwelcome incident but an isolated incident. It’s a fantastic area and a fantastic community.

"Maybe emotions were high with the anniversary of the death of a friend. But we don’t want to happen again in 12 months time,” he said.

Gardaí confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.