Thousands of euro worth of damage caused in suspected arson attack at garage in the Midlands

Gardaí investigating a suspected arson attack at a garage in the Midlands during the early hours of Thursday morning that left several cars damaged beyond repair.

The incident took place at around 2am at Inter Cars, a crash repair commercial premises just off Longford town's Strokestown Road.

Gardaí and fire services from Longford raced to the scene and successfully managed to prevent the blaze from spreading to several other cars parked up outside and adjoining businesses.

Garda forensic officers carried out a thorough examination of the scene as detectives turn their focus to a possible motive behind the attack.

A garda forensic officer at the scene

"Gardaí and Emergency Services attended the scene of an incident of criminal damage by fire that occurred at a business property in Longford Town at 1.45am, June 15," said a garda spokesperson.

"No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made."

Local Cllr Gerry Warnock condemned the attack, saying the episode would only deal further damage to Longford's reputation at large.

"It is extremely disappointing and unhelpful to see this type of criminal behaviour rear its head after such a period of relative peace and calm in the Longford town area," he said.

The Independent local representative called into question the rationale behind an incident at a time when Longford's local economy is battling for survival.

"I would appeal to these people to cease and desist from this type of activity," he said.

"Do they not realise there are people in business trying to keep their doors open and this type of reputational damage to a town and county is very unhelpful in these very difficult times."