Arrests due after hatchet attack

Gardai were last night expected to arrest two suspects they believe viciously attacked a newly married couple with a hatchet in Edgeworthstown last Sunday afternoon.

Up to half a dozen officers from the Gardai’s armed Regional Support Unit (RSU) were yesterday (Tuesday) drafted in to assist local gardai as part of a planned operation.

Both men, who are related and well-known to gardai, were yesterday evening being quizzed by senior gardai over the assault after gardai swooped on a house in the Lisnanagh area of Edgeworthstown.

Investigators have already spoken to the victims of last week’s incident, which occurred in broad daylight at around 2pm along the town’s Main Street.

The couple, who are in their late teens, were left traumatised by the incident after one of the victims - a male - sustained two head wounds which gardai believe were caused by a hatchet.

In a desperate attempt to flee his attackers, the man ran into a nearby housing estate, only to be chased down and set upon for a second time.

His partner, meanwhile, was knocked down by a car sources believe was being driven by the two suspects involved.

The couple, who only got married three days before the attack, are said to be recovering this week following their release from hospital.

For the time being, gardai are continuing to investigate what possible motives may have prompted last Sunday’s incident to unfold.

One line of enquiry currently under scrutiny is that the assault may be linked to a Traveller related feud.

As part of those investigations, gardai have launched an appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them at Granard Garda Station (043) 6686512.