Residents terrorised by joyriders in Cherry Orchard have complained about damage being done to the area.
It is understood that the rallying continued along Cherry Orchard Avenue near Ballyfermot after Gardai left the scene on Monday night. The vehicles were later burned out on a green area beside a creche and Dublin City Council removed the metal car shells yesterday morning.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris says riot squad use will be ramped up after a patrol car was rammed by joyriders cheered on a by a crowd of bystanders. The terrifying incident unfolded in the Cherry Orchard area of South-West Dublin on Monday night.
Dublin Live has learned there were two female officers in the patrol car and that both have been left “traumatised”. Commissioner Harris yesterday described it as “disgraceful and concerning”.
He said the force’s public order units have been “stood up” after the incident which was caught on camera and shared online. Mr Harris added that a full investigation is now under way.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “This area is an absolute kip I’ve put in a transfer request. My kids were playing on the road when they started. I had to run and get them in. It’s absolutely disgusting. Nobody should have to live like this. Residents around here don’t know what to do.”
A mother told Dublin Live: “My son used to lock himself into his room when he heard the cars screeching up and down the road because he was so scared but now he’s used to it. He thinks it’s normal, that’s how bad things have gotten. The Garda are also regularly attacked.
“People would throw stuff at them as they drive by." People Before Profit Councillor Hazel De Nortuin said: “What we witnessed last night is the peak of what has been going on for some time now.”
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