A local councillor has appealed to the public not to jump to conclusions as Gardaí continue to investigate an apparent petrol bombing of a former school in Ballincollig.
There are reports that three people wearing balaclavas were seen smashing windows at the old vacant Gaelscoil Uí Ríordáin while trying to set it ablaze shortly after midnight on Friday morning.
Work had begun in recent days to make the building suitable to accommodate Ukrainian refugees.
Gardaí have confirmed to RedFM News that they are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire - and that a technical examination of the scene took place yesterday.
Cork City Fire Brigade were in the area at the time of the incident and extinguished the small fires shortly thereafter.
Speaking to RedFM News, Councillor Colm Kelleher says speculation isn't helpful:
"What the motives behind their actions were, who knows. That's a matter for the Gardaí to establish and hopefully they will find out. I would appeal to anyone with any information to please come forward and contact the Gardaí in Ballincollig. But, you know, not to jump to any conclusions. We don't know the motives of these attackers, whether it's something to do with possibly an anti-Ukrainian sentiment or whether it's to do with antisocial behaviour and it's just a bunch of idiotic youths . i would just appeal for calm and allow the Gardaí to carry out their investigation".
