Teenager among two arrested in connection with serious assault of woman near busy motorway

As part of the investigation into a serious assault that occurred on the R494 at Birdhill, county Tipperary on Saturday March 21, 2026, Gardaí have arrested two females on Thursday morning.

An adult female in her 40’s and a juvenile female in her teens are both detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at Garda Stations in county Tipperary.

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The injured victim, Scarlett Faulkner, remains in critical condition in hospital.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact them.

Any road users who were on the R494 between Birdhill and the M7 motorway between 5pm and 6pm on Saturday, March 21, 2026, and may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

In particular, Gardaí are seeking information on the movements of two vehicles, a grey 162 Ford Transit van and a blue 161 Volkswagen Touran people carrier, travelling in convoy or driving dangerously between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on Saturday March 21, 2026, in and around Birdhill village, the townlands of Cooleen, Crag Cross, Shower Cross, Kylebeg, Annaholty and Thornhill, all in Co. Tipperary.

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Gardaí are aware of video footage of the incident circulating online and ask members of the public not to share it on social media platforms or messaging apps, but instead to provide it to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station on (067) 50450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.