Gardai crowd area near busy Tesco store as gang of teenagers ‘flee the scene’ after incident

Gardai ran to an area near a busy Tesco last night after an incident involving multiple teenagers.

Ashbourne officers launched an investigation into a fire that started near the Ratoath store around 3:40 p.m.

A shed near the Tesco caught fire and several teenagers were seen fleeing the scene immediately after the fire started.

A Garda investigation was launched to find children seen fleeing the scene with officers asking witnesses to come forward.

A Garda spokesman said: “Officers in Ashbourne are investigating a fire incident that occurred Sunday afternoon in Ratoath.

“Around 3:40 p.m. a shed near the Tesco store in Ratoath caught fire.

“Several teenagers were seen fleeing the scene immediately after the fire started.

He added: “Anyone with information should contact the Ashbourne Garda station at 01-8010600 or the confidential Garda line 1800 666111.”

It comes days after a gang suspected of being from the Dublin / Meath border arrested three of its members following an attempted attack on a hotel in Ashbourne last week.

Gardai was contacted by the local Rogue hotel after three armed intruders attempted to break into the premises on 5 November.

Upon arrival, officers saw a Meath brand car parked near the hotel with two men outside and one inside the car.

Gardai searched the vehicle and discovered several of what they believed were weapons used for various robberies in the area.

These included a reciprocating saw, a three-ton car jack, gloves, baseball bats, and a golf club.

The trio were arrested at the scene and questioned at Ashbourne Garda Station, where investigations are ongoing.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Ashbourne Gardai responded to intruders in an incident at the Rogue Hotel in Ashbourne, Meath.