Gardaí release two teenagers (16) questioned over Co Cork mugging

Gardaí investigating the mugging of two women in a Co Cork town have released two teenagers without charge.

Gardai are to liaise with the National Juvenile Office with a view to preparing a file for the DPP after releasing without charge two juveniles.

Detectives in Macroom arrested the 16-year-olds at their homes in the Macroom area for questioning about the incident on September 17th in the town's Castle Grounds park.

It is understood that the 91 year old victim of the robbery is making a good recovery having been discharged from hospital 24 hours after admission and returning home to Macroom.

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A woman in her 90s and a friend in her 60s had gone for a walk in the Castle Grounds and were sitting on a park bench by the River Sullane when they were assaulted from behind by two young attackers at around 2.55pm.

The youths grabbed a handbag, and the woman in her 90s was knocked to the ground before the youths fled with the handbag toward Macroom Golf Club.

A local man came across the two women and raised the alarm. The woman in her 90s was taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital where she was treated for minor injuries.

Gardaí arrested both teenagers under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, which allows gardaí detain suspects for up to 24 hours. One is being questioned at Macroom Garda Station and the other at Bandon Garda Station.

The incident shocked locals in Macroom, and gardaí appealed for assistance in and began examining CCTV footage from around the town.

The Irish Times understands gardaí have made good progress from examining CCTV footage and a number of witness statements.

They found the stolen handbag near Macroom Golf Club after it was thrown away by the thieves who took some cash, bank cards and a mobile phone.

Gardaí are hoping that a technical examination of the handbag may provide some DNA evidence or other forensic evidence.