No garda files were damaged in an apparent arson attack on Edenderry Garda station in Co Offaly early yesterday. The station was damaged, with one car destroyed and a Garda car damaged.
The attack was noticed at 3 a.m. when a car was seen ablaze at the rear of the station, which is on the southern side of the town.
The fire was quickly brought under control by the local fire brigade but there was some damage to the rear of the unmanned station and to two cars, one a squad car.
While there was some damage to the sergeant's office at the rear of the building, there was no damage to files or other material involved in prosecutions.
Insp John Dunleavy of Tullamore Garda station, who is in charge of the investigation, said three people were being held for questioning under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act in connection with the attack.
He said the station was fully operational again within hours of the attack.
Insp Dunleavy added that the blaze appeared to have started with an attack on a car at the rear of the station.
"We will know more when the forensic examination has been completed. We will know what substances were used and the exact seat of the fire."
Appealing for help from the public to help solve the crime, Insp Dunleavy said the attack was one on the whole community in Edenderry.