In Cork, an investigation has been launched by the local police after a band of French pupils and their teacher were attacked and robbed following their night excursion. The group, comprised of 22 pupils aged from 12 to 14, along with four adults, experienced the unfortunate incident in the city centre just after 10pm on a Tuesday evening.
Earlier, the group had visited McDonald’s situated on Daunt Square and was proceeding to their hostel accommodation via St Patrick’s Street. They encountered a couple during their return journey. One of the females from the group was subjected to assault and robbery of her mobile by a woman who then hurriedly left the scene with her male associate heading for Merchant’s Quay.
A male teacher, who was part of the group, pursued them in an attempt to recover the stolen mobile. In his pursuit, he was assaulted from behind. The man believed to be the woman’s accomplice stabbed the teacher in the shoulder region with what seemed to be a screwdriver. The teacher endured several perforations on his back due to the surprise assault.
Fortunately, the injuries sustained were non-lethal and the teacher received necessary medical assistance at Mercy University Hospital before being discharged. The disturbing incident was registered with the police based at Anglesea Street Garda station, initiating an investigation focusing on Merchant’s Quay and neighbouring areas.
To fish out the criminals, detectives have started scrutinising CCTV footage from St Patrick’s Street, Merchant’s Quay, Parnell Place Bus Station and adjacent streets. According to the police, the suspects: both donned in dark attire, are believed to be in their mid to late twenties. This incident has, understandably, left the French students and their tutors unnerved.
The garda source lamented the fact that the group had enjoyed their week-long stay in Cork and were scheduled to return to France the day after the incident, the episode having tainted their experience. An appeal has been made by the police to any potential witnesses, particularly those who were on Merchant’s Quay or St Patrick’s Street between 10 and 10:30 pm on Tuesday. Motorists having dashcam footage of the incident have been urged to contact Anglesea Street Garda station.