Spate of attacks in Ballyvolane

Defence Forces had to conduct a controlled explosion in Ballyvolane early this morning after a suspect device - believed to be a grenade - which was thrown at a house.

Gardaí said they responded to reports of the discharge of a firearm at a location Ballyvolane, Cork city shortly after midnight.

They discovered the suspect device at the same location and the area was evacuated and a cordon put in place.

Gardaí then called for the services of the Irish Defence Forces Ordnance Disposal team. A number of local residents were temporarily evacuated but were allowed to return to their homes after 3am.

The bomb disposal experts conducted a controlled explosion at the house.

In a separate incident last night, gardaí responded to report of an incident of criminal damage at a business premises on Ballincollie Road, Ballyvolane, Cork city when petrol was thrown at a well-known pub and a small fire broke out.

Firefighters from Cork Fire Brigade were called and put the fire out within minutes.

The incident occurred at around 10.50pm and there were no injuries reported by gardaí.

A man in his 30s was arrested in relation to the incident and is currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at a garda station in Cork. Investigations are ongoing.