Armed attack on Cork supermarket in broad daylight branded a 'disgrace' as Gardai investigate
A group of men armed with weapons stormed a supermarket in Cork in broad daylight, with a video showing a brawl breaking out in the store before spilling out into the car park
Customers and staff in a Cork supermarket were left in shock after a group of hooded men, armed and ready for trouble, stormed into the store on Monday.
The violent incident spilled out into the car park of SuperValu Hollyhill, with social media footage showing a small group of men wielding blunt objects.
One person is seen taking refuge behind the tills as two others swing their weapons, causing havoc in the shop. Security managed to push the group outside, where the chaos continued, reports Cork Beo.
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A video seen by CorkBeo shows several people running around the car park, while another jumps into a flatbed truck. The truck speeds off, almost hitting one man before crashing into a parked car.
Post-crash, the driver gets attacked by one of the men, who hits him through the open window. A Garda spokesperson commented on the incident, saying: "Gardaí were alerted to reports of a disturbance that occurred at a shopping centre in Hollyhill, Cork this afternoon Monday 6th January, 2025.
"At approximately 4.30pm, Gardaí attended the scene where a large number of persons had gathered and brought the matter under control. Investigations are ongoing."
The incident has been roundly condemned by local TDs Thomas Gould and Ken O'Flynn, who are urging the government to increase the Garda presence in Cork to tackle such incidents. Deputy Gould stated: "The attack was a shocking and frightening ordeal for customers and staff; it's a terrifying thing to see happening.
"It's a shame as SuperValu Hollyhill are brilliant supporters of the northside. They sponsor many local clubs, community organisations and schools. Residents are always happy to give back to them as despite being a large supermarket, they're really at the heart of the community here on the northside."
Gould added that several constituents had contacted him over Christmas regarding similar incidents, saying: "It has to be asked, are arrests being made? What is being done? The fact they attacked in broad daylight today shows there's no fear of Gardaí and that those responsible have no fear of being caught. Sinn Féin has continually called for more Gardaí and more resources to tackle this kind of serious criminality.
"Much of the violence is coming from outside the community while decent, hard-working people are trying to get on with their lives. It brings a negative image to a great community, and it shows how badly we need more Gardaí."
Deputy O'Flynn said: "I am saddened and appalled by the active violence and vandalism that occurred today at the Supervalu on the north side of the city.
"This supermarket has long been a vital part of our community, consistently supporting local sports and arts organisations, and its positive impact cannot be overstated. The recent incidents of antisocial behaviour are not only unacceptable but serve as an indicator of a troubling trend that appears to be becoming the norm in our society.
"Over the past few weeks, I have witnessed and received multiple reports of shocking acts of antisocial behaviour across various parts of the city-north, south, east, and west. This escalating situation underscores the urgent necessity for increased community safety measures.
"We must advocate for more boots on the ground and improved resources to combat crime effectively. It is imperative that we adopt far tougher measures when addressing antisocial behaviour and teenage crime."
The newly-elected TD has urged parents to take a more active role in addressing youth crime and advocated for the provision of community services to help keep young people out of trouble and provide them with a constructive outlet for self-expression.
He said: "As a society, we must ask ourselves difficult questions, particularly as parents: Do you know where your children are tonight? While no parent intends for their child to engage in wrongdoing, there comes a time when it is essential for parents to assume responsibility.
"If we, as a community, cannot foster positive behaviour among our youth, then government intervention may be unavoidable. This could include implementing significant fines directly deducted from salaries to deter such behaviour.
"Moreover, we must not overlook the importance of providing constructive outlets for our youth. We need to find resources within our local communities to engage and occupy idle hands, steering them towards positive and productive activities.
"It is time for us to unite as a community to address these pressing issues and ensure that our local spaces, like Supervalu, remain safe and welcoming for everyone."
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