Detective slashed by suspected thief in Athlone knife attack

A man is being held in Garda custody in Athlone today (Thursday) in connection with an incident in which a detective was slashed by a knife yesterday evening.

It's understood that the man, who is from the Athlone area and is in his 20s, had been released on bail from a court in Dublin earlier in the day.

He travelled back by train. When the train was stopped at Athlone train station the man is reported to have stolen a handbag from another passenger, a woman in her 70s.

The Gardai were called after the woman raised the alarm and a detective, aged in his 40s, then approached the man not far from the train station.

The individual produced a knife and slashed the detective on his left arm and on both of his hands.

An ambulance was called and the detective was brought to Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe before being released last night.

The man is currently being detained under section four of the criminal justice act and can be held in Garda custody until this evening.