Man arrested after another incident in Bonavalley

A 24-year-old man was arrested yesterday (Tuesday) morning after a suspicious approach to three females in the Bonavalley area of Athlone during the early hours of the morning. At about 1am on Tuesday three females, two in their teens and one in her mid-twenties, none of whom is from the locality, were walking in the vicinity of Bonavalley Bridge when they were approached by a man. Supt Aidan Glacken said: "The man was driving a car, he parked nearby and made an unwarranted approach to one of the females. There was a bit of an altercation." The women reported the incident to Athlone Garda Station and Gardai searched the area. A 24-year-old man, not from the locality, was later arrested between Athlone and Ballinasloe. He was brought to Athlone Garda Station where he was held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 for questioning. He can be held for up to 24 hours under this Act and at the time of going to print yesterday afternoon he remained in custody. While Gardai are treating this as an isolated incident they are examining any similarities to four attacks on women in the same area and a fifth attack on the other side of town over the past two years. Since August 12, 2007, four women have been viciously attacked in the vicinity of Bonavalley Bridge. A fifth woman was attacked on the west side of town 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 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 a short time after the attack on the 19 year old last year. Gardai have never formally linked any of the attacks. However, Gardai are keen to point out that yesterday morning's incident was not an attack, but rather a 'suspicious approach to females'. Gardai are continuing to talk to the three women involved and anyone with any information can contact Athlone Garda Station on 090 6492609.