Shot fired as businessman is injured

Shot fired as businessman is injured


Michael Commins

THE Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council said yesterday (Monday) that the full rigour of the law must be imposed on those who caused a frightening fracas in Kilkelly on Saturday afternoon which saw a well-known businessman from east Mayo hospitalised with injuries.
Anthony Freeman of Freeman Fuels suffered the injuries at his premises along the N17 road near Kilkelly after it appears he was set-upon by a number of individuals at the family filling station and shop. His son and daughter were also taken to hospital in Castlebar but were discharged later on Saturday evening. A shot was discharged during the incident and it is understood that a caravan was hit but no personal injuries accrued from the discharge.
A large group of Travellers, understood to be from the south of Ireland, arrived at the premises in cars and caravans and the staff were unable to cope. The assault on Mr Freeman took place shortly after he arrived on the scene.
Cllr Mellett said this was obviously a terrible ordeal for the Freeman family but he hoped the Garda investigation which is under way will establish exactly what happened.
“The law of the land should apply exactly the same to everyone and I hope the rigour of the law will be imposed on those who caused this frightening fracas,” said Cllr Mellett.
Gardaí confirmed on Monday that they are carrying out an investigation into the incident. A firearm was seized at the premises and no arrests have yet been made but Gardaí confirmed they were following certain lines of inquiry.
One local told The Mayo News that the Freeman family and staff had ‘come under siege’ during the incident.
“Anthony Freeman was severely beaten while his son and daughter received injuries on a minor scale. It was a terrifying experience for them all,” he said.