Investigation after prison officer’s home targeted in arson attack

Updated / Tuesday, 30 Jul 2024 12:50

Crime Correspondent

An investigation is under way into an arson attack on the home of a prison officer in Co Meath last night.

The officer is involved in an operational and intelligence unit, which targets organised crime in the prisons.

A window was broken in his home and flammable liquid or a petrol bomb was thrown in.

The man was at home with his wife at the time, however no injuries were reported.

Gardaí suspect the arson attack could be connected to the man’s work in the prisons.

A major figure in an organised crime gang which trafficks drugs and contraband behind bars was recently discovered with drugs and a phone and transferred to a different prison unit.

The Prison Officers’ Association has condemned the attack, which it has described as “cowardly”, “extremely sinister in nature” and which “could have led to loss of life”.

POA Deputy General Secretary Gabriel Keaveny said he has “no doubt that this horrific attack” is “related to the prison officer’s work”.

He called on the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner to take whatever action is necessary to ensure that prison officers and their families are safe in their own homes.

Mr Keaveny said the Government has a responsibility for the safety and security to its employees.

The Prison Officers’ Association has also sought an urgent meeting with the Director of the Prison Service to discuss this and similar attacks on prison officers’ homes in the past.

The Prison Service has issued a statement saying any act of violence against a prison officer is “unacceptable”.

The statement also said that staff who are subject to an assault or threat are “given the necessary supports through the employee assistance programme”.