A MAN caused consternation among staff and customers by spraying petrol in a welfare office in Ballina, Co Mayo, yesterday.
The welfare claimant did not light the petrol but walked outside and sat on a window sill before gardaí, who had rushed to the scene at Bohernasup, arrested him. The man, in his 50s and from Ballina, was being held last night at Ballina Garda station under section four of the Criminal Justice Act.
Garda Insp Joe Doherty confirmed “a serious incident” had occurred in the Department of Social Protection building at about 11.45am.
“A man walked into the building and threatened staff,” Insp Doherty said. “He then sprayed petrol. Gardaí were called and a man was arrested. This man is helping us with our inquiries. The scene has been preserved for forensic examination.”
Sources indicate the man was irate about the fact his social welfare cheque was late. The offices were closed after the incident as fire officers cleaned up the area and gardaí mounted a forensic examination.