Victim of assault linked to warring factions in Cork recovering from injuries

Three to four masked men had chased another man from Pearse Rd in Ballyphehane to Virgin Media Park on the Tramore Rd, where one of their vehicles crashed and the driver fled the scene. Picture: Red FM

The victim of an armed attack outside a Cork sports ground following a car chase last week is recovering from his injuries.

Gardaí continue to investigate the incident and a significant amount of CCTV and other video evidence has now been gathered for the case.

Masked men, armed with weapons believed to include metal bars and baseball bats, had chased the man, aged in his 20s, through Ballyphehane, a Cork suburb on the southside last Tuesday.

Fighting factions involved in criminality in the city are understood to be behind the incident. 

During the chase, a car mounted a footpath in Ballyphehane, reportedly hitting people involved in the chase. A vehicle that had previously been reported stolen crashed at the gates of Virgin Media Park (Musgrave Park) a short time later.

Gardaí are investigating whether the incidents are linked to a petrol bomb attack on a house in Ballyphehane in May.

Three to four masked men had chased another man from Pearse Rd in Ballyphehane to Virgin Media Park on the Tramore Rd, where one of their vehicles crashed and the driver fled the scene.

Last Tuesday evening, gardaí received reports that two vehicles were being driven erratically in the area around Virgin Media Park at 8.08pm on Tuesday. The occupants of the vehicles were wearing face coverings and masks.

A black Hyundai Tucson, which had been stolen from Cobh and was being driven under false driving plates, crashed at the entrance gate to Virgin Media Park.

Gardaí received a report at about 8.30pm of an injured man walking along Pearse Rd, Ballyphehane. The man, who was bleeding, is believed to have been followed by two suspects dressed in dark clothing.

Gardaí believe he had been assaulted after being chased to the Virgin Media Park area. The suspects are understood to have fled the scene in a dark-coloured Audi.

The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment for a number of injuries.

Gardaí believe the violence on Tuesday evening may be linked to a series of incidents involving criminal damage, including suspected arson attacks on property and vehicles at Pearse Rd and at a separate address in Brookwood, Ballyphehane, in May.

The scene on Tuesday was described as “organised mayhem" by a source. Gardaí are calling for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to freephone the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.