Gardaí make one arrest after 200 riot in Mullingar
Up to 200 people were involved in a riot on a Co Westmeath housing estate today.
Two petrol bombs were thrown during the disturbance which broke out at Dalton Park, Mullingar, at around noon, gardaí said.
Local officers, reinforcements from surrounding areas and the Garda air support unit were called in to bring the situation under control.
A number of people were taken to hospital in Mullingar with injuries while others were treated at the scene.
A Health Service Executive spokeswoman said three people were being treated in A&E for minor injuries.
A garda spokeswoman said one person was arrested.
“Gardaí at Mullingar are attending a scene of public disorder involving up to 200 persons at a place called Dalton Park in Mullingar,” she said.
“Two petrol bombs were ignited during the incident. At present calm has been restored.”
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Jim Bourke said a large number of gardaí were involved in the operation.
“The gardaí have moved down in great numbers,” he said.
“There must have been at least 10 squad cars went up through town heading for it.
“The fire department is down there, an ambulance has gone to the scene and a garda helicopter has moved down to view it from the air.”
Dalton Park is a large public and private housing estate in the outskirts of the east of the town.
It is understood there are between 500 and 600 houses.
