Two years on, Gardai say chase for Bonavalley attacker is still on

The investigation into the Bonavalley attacks, the first of which occurred two years ago last week, is still active, according to Athlone gardai. While there has yet to be a breakthrough in the case, gardai say the investigation is ongoing and that they are still carrying out work on the case. Since August 12, 2007, four women have been viciously attacked in the vicinity of Bonavalley Bridge and the culprit or culprits remain at large. The first attack on a woman on Bonavalley Bridge occurred on August 12, 2007, during the early hours of a Sunday morning, with the second attack happening during the early hours of Sunday, September 23, the same year. The third attack occurred between 9pm and 10pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2007. The fourth attack occurred a year later on September 16, 2008, when a 19-year-old woman who was walking from town in the direction of the Dublin Road was approached from behind by one male and attacked. This attack happened at about 2.30am. A fifth attack with some similar characteristics took place at Hallsbridge on the west side of town later in the year. The attacks sparked fear in Athlone and a major Garda operation was launched. While gardai have never officially connected the attacks, saying they were keeping an open mind in relation to this aspect of the case, all four women were attacked from behind and dragged to secluded areas in the vicinity of Bonavalley Bridge before being subjected to serious assaults. Two photofits of the suspect were released by gardai following the initial three attacks, the most recent one showing a man with slicked-back dark hair, bushy eyebrows and a long nose. The investigation into all four attacks continues and anybody with any information in relation to them is asked to contact Athlone Garda Station on 090 6492609.