Garda probe launched after house set ablaze and shots fired in latest incident in Charleville

Being linked to feud between families in Kilmallock and Charleville

A Garda van. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Gardaí have launched an investigation into a fire at a house in Charleville, north Cork which is being linked to an ongoing feud between two families.

In the latest incident between the families in Kilmallock, Co Limerick and Charleville, emergency services were called to the property shortly before 9pm on Friday in the north Cork town. A group of men wearing balaclavas had smashed windows and attempted to set fire to the empty property. Shots were also fired inside the premises. The house was extensively damaged. A car was also criminally damaged in the town about an hour later.

Earlier, shots had been fired at an empty house in Kilmallock, Co Limerick as part of the ongoing rivalry. A petrol bomb was also thrown at a property in Knocknaheeny in Cork city earlier this week as a result of the dispute.

Gardaí were today examining the scene of the Charleville blaze. They have appealed for anyone with information to contact them, particularly between 5pm and 11pm.

They are also appealing for information in relation to an Audi A6, a white Skoda Rapid, a BMW and a silver Ford Focus, travelling in the Charleville area at this time.

"Any road users or pedestrians who were travelling in the area during this time and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) are asked to make this available to Gardaí," a spokesperson said.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station on 022 31450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Investigations are ongoing."

It is the latest major incident in the town in recent weeks.

At the of August a 12-year-old girl was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured skull after her home was attacked by a gang of up to five masked men.

The child had to be transferred to Temple Street hospital for emergency surgery after the group of men armed with suspected slash hooks broke into her home.

Then, a fortnight ago, a firearm was discharged from one vehicle targeting another on the N20 between Charleville and O’Rourke’s Cross.