Arson attack at house may be linked to assaults on taxi drivers

GARDAI are investigating if an arson attack at the weekend is linked to a spate of recent assaults on taxi drivers in the capital.

Dublin Fire Brigade rushed to Tyrellstown, in West Dublin, on Saturday night after a fire broke out at a house in Belgree Boulevard.

It is understood to be linked to a man suspected of being an associate of a gang which launched a series 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.

“Firefighters fought the blaze and treated an occupant of the house for smoke inhalation.

“It is believed one of the occupants of the house is associated with the people who were involved in the taxi incidents.”

A Garda spokeswoman said: “Dublin Fire Brigade attended a fire at a premises in Tyrellstown on Saturday.

“It was an incident of criminal damage and gardai at Blanchardstown are investigating.”

The attacks saw a number of horrific incidents including a robbery in which a taxi driver was threatened with an imitation firearm.

A group of young men were suspected of carrying out the raids.

Many drivers launched a boycott of certain areas as a result.