Twelve vehicles damaged by missile firing youths at Tipperary Town Halloween bonfire

Residents of a Tipperary Town neighbourhood were terrorised by an “aggressive” mob of youths who caused mayhem around the vicinity of a Halloween night bonfire firing stones and rocks at vehicles and blocking a road with a burning sofa.

A Garda van and fire brigade vehicle were among the vehicles stoned during what gardaí describe as a “significant and serious public order” incident arising from an unofficial bonfire in a a green area at James Connolly Park last Thursday, October 31.

A local councillor has described how residents in this part of Tipperary Town were “prisoners” in their own homes on Halloween night due to the lawlessness outside.

Garda Superintendent Eddie Golden, who is over the Tipperary Central Community Engagement Area, said the Halloween bonfire attracted “very aggressive” youths who engaged in anti-social and criminal behaviour in this area of Tipperary Town between 7pm and 10pm on Halloween night.

He estimated that between 50 to 70 youths gathered for the bonfire and gardaí suspect some were from outside the town drawn to the event by social media.

Supt. Golden said gardaí are investigating 12 confirmed incidents of vehicles damaged by the firing of missiles including stones and rocks. A Garda van was among the vehicles damaged. Gardaí haven't so far received any reports of assaults arising from the incident.

Supt Golden assured the people of Tipperary Town that the Gardaí are fully investigating the incidents that happened in Tipperary Town on Halloween night.

He confirmed that no arrests were made on the night but stressed gardaí were working to identify those involved and bring the culprits to justice.

“It appears there were a number of ring leaders who were very premeditated. They had stockpiles of rocks and stones in anticipation of this.

“We are asking members of the public to come forward and identify the culprits. We are also asking anybody who has video footage to share it with us. They can do so by contacting Tipperary Garda Station at (062) 80670 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.”