Discharge of Firearms and Arson in Longford on the 12+17/2/20

The Gardaí at Longford are investigating a number of feud related incidents which have occurred in the first weeks of February. The Garda appeal focuses on two such crimes the first of which occurred between 8.30pm -9pm on Wednesday February 12th and involved the discharging of a firearm at Annally Gardens.

CCTV footage recovered during the investigation shows a red saloon car with front passenger door damage in the vicinity at or about the time of the incident. This vehicle left Annally Gardens turning left onto St Michaels Road and departed Longford in the direction of Athlone. While no one was injured in this incident there was a young child playing in the house at the time and as such the consequences could have been far more serious.

Appeal 1:

• Encourage anyone who may have seen this vehicle prior to or at that time, or knows the owner of this vehicle or its current whereabouts to come forward.

Arson at Annally Gardens, Longford

The Arson occurred at 6.54am approx. at Annally Gardens on Monday 17th February 2020. CCTV shows one male who is carrying some form of accelerant which subsequently ignites at the front door of the house, occupied at the time by an adult and four children.

The male is so close at the time of ignition that his left sleeve catches fire. He runs from the scene and is collected at Annally Park in a dark coloured saloon car with distinctive alloys. This suspect has a very distinctive running gate, appearing to be flat footed.

Appeal 2:

• Somebody in the community may know the identity of the Suspect.
• Anyone who may have seen this vehicle prior to/at that time, knows the owner of this vehicle or its current whereabouts.
• The vehicle travelled out of the Annally Estate and towards Athlone.
• Gardaí believe both crimes to be connected.

Re-Assurance:

Gardaí want to reassure the Longford Community of their continued commitment to providing a policing service that will keep people safe.

In the past 18 months, they have over 3,000 proactive policing engagements to date, 56 arrests with prosecutions brought before the courts. Gardaí are steadfast in their resolve to putting an end to this cycle of violence, and are working with a number of agencies and continue to enjoy the support of the law abiding Community of Longford, the Longford JPC and local Public Representatives.

Finally Gardaí want to acknowledge the co-operation they have received to date and state clearly that these people do not represent the large majority of the Longford Community who go about their business in a lawful manner.

Gardaí at Longford Garda Station are investigating      Telephone: (043) 3350577