Teenager arrested after man (72) hospitalised following Co Kildare burglary attack

A number of men gained entry to a lockup shed and were attempting to remove property

The suspect was being held for questioning at Leixlip Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. Photograph: iStock
The suspect was being held for questioning at Leixlip Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. Photograph: iStock

A 72-year-old man is in hospital after he was attacked near his home during a burglary in the Celbridge area of Co Kildare.

Gardaí said that at approximately 9.30pm on Tuesday night a number of men gained entry to a lockup shed and were attempting to remove property from the shed.

The owner of the shed disturbed the men and was assaulted. He was taken to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown where his condition is described as serious but stable.

The attack occurred at a house in Adrass Lower, Celbridge.

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“A number of suspects left the scene on foot. One suspect left the scene on a scrambler bike, which was stolen from the property,” gardaí said, adding a teenager was arrested during a follow-up search.

The suspect was being held for questioning at Leixlip Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, which allows for him to be questioned for up to 24 hours without charge.

Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information about the incident or who may have been in the Ardrass Lower area around the time of the attack to come forward. Specifically, any road users who were in the area between 9pm and 10pm and who may have dash-cam footage available are asked to contact Leixlip gardaí on (01) 666 7800.

The attack follows an aggravated burglary in Sligo last month which left Tom Niland (73) on life support in Sligo University Hospital.

Conor Lally

Conor Lally

Conor Lally is Security and Crime Editor of The Irish Times