Man arrested in connection with Strokestown probe released without charge

Suspect arrested following search of Longford home

Burnt out vans and cars in the yard of the house  in Strokestown. Photograph: Brian Farrell
Burnt out vans and cars in the yard of the house in Strokestown. Photograph: Brian Farrell

A man who was arrested in connection with criminal damage and assaults following an eviction in Co Roscommon in December has been released without charge

It is estimated up to 40 people were involved in the incident at a property in False on December 16th. The incident left eight security guards injured, three of them seriously. A guard dog was also killed and six vehicles were burnt out.

The incident occurred a few days after Anthony McGann and his siblings were removed from the property by security guards following its repossession by KBC bank.

The eviction, which was caught on video, led to a significant public outcry, especially among the local community, due in part to what was seen as the heavy-handed tactics employed by the security guards.

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The man, aged in his 50s, was arrested at a house in the Killoe area of Co Longford on Wednesdayand was detained at Castlerea Garda station.

He was the fifth person to be arrested in connection with the investigation.

Two of the arrested males have been charged and are currently before the courts.

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher is Crime and Security Correspondent of The Irish Times