Man due in court over spate of arson attacks in West Cork

A 31-year-old man is due to appear in court this morning in connection with an arson attack on a number of cars in Skibbereen as well as other arson incidents in West Cork.

The man was arrested by gardai at 5.30am yesterday morning in the Marsh Road area following the attack on five cars near Skibbereen fire station.

Gardaí responded to a call and found four cars on fire inside a compound at the fire Station and a fifth ablaze outside the station.

The cars are used by firefighters for training purposes .

A short time later, gardaí were called to the scene of another blaze at a plant hire firm on the Marsh road where a car and a caravan had been set alight.

Officers carried out a search of the area and found a 31-year-old man hiding in a ditch and he was arrested and brought to Skibbereen Garda Station for questioning.

The man - who was arrested under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act which allows for detention up to 24 hours - was charged last night in connection with the arson events.

He will be brought before Clonakilty District Court this morning where he will be charged in relation to Monday’s events as well as others in the Skibbereen area over the past year.