Birr attack sparks garda appeal

Gardaí in Birr are appealing for information after a couple were brutally attacked in the town in the early hours of Saturday morning last, February 2. The couple, who are resident in Birr, were returning home along the Wilmer Road at approximately 1am when the attack occurred according to Birr Sergeant John Mahon. Speaking to the Offaly Independent Sgt Mahon said the couple were approached on Wilmer Road by a group of four males and one female. One of the men from that group began a confrontation with the man who was part of the couple and proceeded to assault him. Some of the other men from his group joined in the attack. The female then tried to come to her partner's aid, but was also assaulted and dragged away. She attempted to run, Sgt Mahon said, but was followed, grabbed, knocked on the ground and further assaulted. A local motorist came on the scene, stopped their car and got out. At that point Sgt Mahon said a silver saloon car came from the Wilmer Road car park to Wilmer Road, all assailants got into this car and it left in the direction of Roscrea. Both the male and female victims sustained a number of injuries and were "severely shaken", Sgt Mahon said. Their injuries were not life-threatening however. Gardaí have studied CCTV in the area and in adjoining towns as part of their investigation and are "following a definite line of inquiry". However any information that can be offered by members of the public should be brought to Birr gardaí by calling 057 9169710.