Residents in Rochestown are concerned at spate of recent violent incidents in the area including the assault of a teenager at the entrance to the Mount Oval estate.

Rochestown residents to form a community patrol following recent violent incidents

Residents across Rochestown and surrounding areas are to establish a community patrol following a spate of incidents in the area in recent days.

There are also plans to create a petition to call for increased gardaí in the Douglas Rochestown area, as well as increased resources and opening hours for garda stations in the area.

The actions come after a spate of incidents in the area including the assault of a man in his 60s who was walking home from his wife’s grave on Saturday night.

A 17-year-old was also reportedly attacked on Saturday and suffered a number of injuries to his nose and chest.

Meanwhile, on Friday night, Bus Eireann suspended the 216 bus at Maryborough Hill due to anti-social behaviour, while another alleged assault on a teen is believed to have taken place at the entrance to the Mount Oval estate.

A Rochestown resident told The Echo that there are plans in motion and willing volunteers to establish a community patrol and create a petition calling for increased garda presence in the area.

Local Councillor Mary Rose Desmond told The Echo this week that Douglas Garda station recently lost its community garda and a sergeant, while the station is only open sporadically.

More than 60 members of the local community and some from further afield met at Mount Oval Bar on Tuesday evening to discuss their concerns.

The meeting heard incidents of antisocial behaviour, underage drinking and intimidation from teens in the locality and gangs from further afield.

One woman said her teenage daughter was afraid to walk to the shop just minutes away because of the intimidating behaviour of teenagers in the area.

Some pointed out that, with Junior Cert results night and Halloween just around the corner, the need for this community patrol group is urgent and steps have been taken to establish it.

Residents were also encouraged to join a WhatsApp group to report any antisocial behaviour to others in the area.