GARDAI investigating the attack on the home of an elderly bachelor near Galway last Friday have arrested four people in the city.
The latest person to be arrested, a woman in her 20s from Galway, was questioned at Mill Street Garda station yesterday. Two men are also being held for questioning. A third man, who suffered eye injuries when a shotgun was discharged during the attack, appeared before Galway District Court yesterday.
Mr Patrick Duggan (76), from Kiltrogue, Claregalway, was in bed when three men broke down his front door early last Friday and ransacked the house. He reached for a shotgun and warned the raiders to leave. A knife was thrown and Mr Duggan discharged the shotgun, wounding one of the attackers.
The other two men brought their wounded colleague to Galway's University College Hospital, before fleeing in a car later found burnt out in eastern Galway city.
"We are satisfied we will bring the case to a successful conclusion", Garda Supt Tony Finnerty said at Mill Street Garda station.
The investigation comes as gardai intensify their efforts to prevent attacks on elderly people living in isolated areas. In the Garda western region, covering counties Clare, Galway, Roscommon and Mayo, traffic crossing the Shannon bridges is being monitored, with back-up mobile patrols carrying out spot checks. Air support is provided by the Air Corps.