Gardaí believe Knockbridge shooting was a case of mistaken identity

Knockbridge village has now reopened following a technical examination

Gardaí insist they are satisfied that shots fired at a house in Knockbridge yesterday evening was a case of mistaken identity.

A number of shots were fired at the house from a semi-automatic weapon around 7.30pm.

A woman and a teenager were inside at the time, however no one was injured during the incident.

The Garda Armed Response Unit were quickly on the scene and preserved the scene for a technical examination that took place this morning. The Dundalk-Knockbridge Road had been closed overnight and this morning but has now fully reopened.

Local representatives expressed their shock at the incident, with Fianna Fáil councillor Declan Breathnach telling the Michael Reade Show on LMFM this morning that it was only for the “Grace of God” that no one was injured.

Meanwhile, local TD Seamus Kirk has condemned the shooting.

He said: “This is a despicable attack and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The community is in complete shock about this. This is an extremely quiet and peaceful village just five miles from Dundalk.

“Gardaí are actively investigating this case and I would hope that the culprits will be brought to justice.”

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have noticed a car being driven at speed on the Stephenstown Road around 7.30pm last night to contact them at Dundalk Garda Station or on the Garda Confidential Line.

Shots fired at house in Knockbridge

This area of the village is closed off as a result of this evening’s incident

A Garda investigation is underway after shot were fired at a house in Knockbridge this evening.

A number of shots were reportedly fired at the house around 7.30pm.

An adult and a child were inside at the time, however no one was injured during the incident.

The Garda Armed Response Unit were quickly on the scene and have preserved the scene pending an examination.

Diversions are in place as a result of the incident, with cars travelling on the R171 from both Dundalk and Louth Village directions unable to access the area in front of Brodigan’s shop, St Mary’s Church and St Mary’s NS.

Traffic coming are being diverted via the N52 Ardee to Dundalk Road before turning off in the direction of Stephenstown Pond.

Robbery at post office in Dundalk

The scene at the Dublin Street post office at 2.45pm. Picture: Talk of the Town

A man has been arrested following an attempted robbery at the Dublin Street post office in Dundalk.

It has emerged that two local men came to the rescue of staff, who had been held up by a man threatening them with a needle, shortly after lunchtime.

The branch, opposite The Windsor Bar, was closed following the incident with Gardaí quickly on the scene.

The man, who is understood to have been from Drogheda, was apprehended at the scene after being wrestled to the floor by the two men following a brief struggle.

Staff described the robbery as “not serious” and a notice on the door – which said the branch was closed for “security reasons” – said it would reopen at 4pm.

Statements of those in the post office at the time were taken next door in a local solicitor’s office.

Armed Response Unit in town

The Garda Armed Response Unit have been spotted around Dundalk for much of this morning.

Reports have now reached us that they have just sped over the Newry Bridge with sirens blaring. There’s obviously some kind of operation underway. We’ll keep you posted if we hear anything more.