Gardaí release Macroom teens

Two youths have been released after being detained for a mugging which upset many people in the town of Macroom.

The teenagers, both aged 16, were released on Tuesday under the Garda Juvenile Youth Diversion Programme. Before their release, the teenagers had been detained separately in Bandon and Macroom Garda Stations, under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

The juveniles were arrested after a search operation by gardaí investigating the mugging when the two women, one in her 90s and the other in her 60s, were pushed to the ground and a purse was stolen.

The 92 year old woman was brought to CUH for treatment and was released shortly after.

The robbery occurred when the two ladies were walking in the castle grounds area of Macroom on Tuesday 17 September.

The men left the scene heading through the Macroom Golf Club and onto the road at Sleeven Upper.

Many in the community were said to be upset and shocked over what happened to the two women when news of the incident first emerged.