Investigators probe whether west Dublin arson attack is linked to series of taxi driver robberies
Investigators are probing whether an arson attack on a property in Dublin at the weekend is connected to a series of robberies on taxi drivers working in the area.
On Saturday, Dublin Fire Brigade were called to the scene of a house fire at Belgree Boulevard in Tyrellstown in west Dublin.
The house is understood to have links to an individual suspected of being associated with a gang who have conducted a spate of violent attacks on taxi drivers in the city.
A source said: "A device was thrown through the door of the property and this ignited a blaze inside.
"Fire fighters arrived and fought the blaze - they also treated an occupant of the house for smoke inhalation.
"It is believed that one of the occupants of the house is associated with the people who were involved in the taxi incidents.
"A garda spokeswoman confirmed that gardai were investigating the incidents.
The Garda press officer said: "Dublin Fire Brigade attended a fire at a premises in Tyrellstown on Saturday the 10 of February 2018, it was an incident of criminal damage.
"Gardai at Blanchardstown are investigating."
The source explained that one theory being explored is that it may be linked to that spate of attacks while a second theory is that it may be associated with a local dispute.
A group of young men were suspected of carrying out the raids.
On New Year's Eve, a driver was threatened with the fake gun in the Hazelbury Park area of Clonee, West Dublin.
Two male teenagers had taken a lift from the city centre.
They stole the driver's smart phone but did not succeed in getting cash as the victim had just started work.
There were a number of other incidents in the area over a number of weeks.
Many drivers had launched a boycott of the Ongar, Clonee and Tyrellstown areas as they feared attacks.
