Gardai increase patrols in the Stocking Lane area after brutal attack on woman

Gardai have increased patrols in the Stocking Lane area of Rathfarnham after a woman was punched in the face during a terrifying attack last Sunday morning.

The increased patrols have been active this week, and on Wednesday night plain-clothes officers identified a possible suspect in the area in connection with the attack.

Air support was drafted in as the search continued, but the man managed to evade officers and get away.

Local TD John Lahart confirmed the extra patrols were now active in the area, saying: “Additional Garda patrols have been mounted in your area to track the perpetrator of the incident at the weekend.

“Additional plain clothes detective units are on duty on both day and night shifts. There was a sighting last night which generated all the helicopter activity.

“I am assured that the Garda, led by a Detective Inspector from Tallaght Garda Station, are going above and beyond their duty to apprehend the alleged suspect and are treating recent events with the utmost seriousness.

“A plan has been put in place involving increased Community Garda patrols and plain clothes detectives day and night. “

Meanwhile local Independent Councillor, Deirdre O’Donovan said she has requested a public meeting with local community Gardai in relation to the recent attack.

She also confirmed Garda activity in the area on Wednesday night was due to the identification of a possible suspect by Gardai and not due to a second attack, which had been reported online.