Hunt continues for hooded prowler

December 1981

A youth who attacked two girls in separate incidents in Wexford last week and threatened them with a knife is still being urgently sought by local gardaí.

There are fears that he may strike again, particularly over the Christmas/New Year period.

Gardaí believe that the young man may be in need of psychiatric help and they are anxious to trace him immediately.

And now, in an effort to help them in their search, they have issued a description of the person they are looking for and an appeal to members of the public to be on the alert.

He is aged between twelve and sixteen years old, is about four feet six inches tall, and of slim build.

On the day of the two incidents, he was wearing a green anorak with the hood pulled tightly around his face.

Gardaí have the knife he used in their possession, and describe it as a formidable-looking weapon. A spokesman said it is like one that would be used in under-water diving.

The first attack happened on Wednesday of last week at about 5 p.m.

A young schoolteacher was walking home along Coolcotts Lane when she was accosted by the knife-wielding youth.

He did not demand money, and it is thought there might instead have been a sexual motive to the attack.

But the girl screamed, and when she did, the attacker ran away.

Less than an hour later, he struck again. He approached a twenty year old girl as she walked along Clonard Road, again with the knife in his hand.

But she surprised him by snatching the knife out of his hand, and he ran off again. She later handed the knife over to Gardaí.

The Gardaí are now desperately anxious to get to him before he strikes again.

In the meantime, they appeal to be careful, especially between Christmas and the New Year, when the streets will be quiet.

Girls out walking should be particularly on the alert and report anything suspicious to the Garda Station.