30/07/2008

Over 200 Involved In Traveller Family Brawl

Two feuding traveller families launched a riotous attack on each other leaving a number injured, and witnesses horrified.

The McDonagh and Nevin family have been reportedly involved in a long running dispute over an unpaid bet on a fist fight. Up to 200 people were seen throwing petrol bombs and missiles during the violence in Dalton Park, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

According to Gardaí in the area, the public disorder took place at approximately 12 noon, Tuesday. Assistance was brought in from surrounding areas along with a Garda Air Support Unit.

A number of people were brought to hospital and three males and one female were arrested in connection to the incident. The Males aged from 20 to 50 years-old and the female were subsequently released. All were arrested for Public Order offences.

The window of a garda vehicle was also damaged during the mayhem, and a number of people were taken to Mullingar General Hospital. One was detained with head injuries that were not life threatening. A number of others were treated for lacerations to arms and faces.

Gardaí were also forced to use an anti-riot unit and dog unit to quell the brawl between the families, but even after the incident, pockets of violence continued to break out.

A spokesman for gardaí said: "When the injured were taken to hospital another incident occurred. 4 more males were arrested for public order offences and taken to Mullingar Garda Station."

(DW/JM)

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