Three men appeared in court today following shocking scenes which saw gangs smashing up houses in an estate in Co. Westmeath on Thursday.
Gardai were called to the scene at Grange Crescent in Mullingar at around 6pm where they were forced to disperse a large group of people.
Some of the thugs were armed with pick-axe handles.
A number of houses were damaged during the incident while two men received non life-threatening injuries.
A video circulating on social media showed thugs with their faces covered hurling objects at houses and smashing windows as shocked residents looked on.
A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene and held at Mullingar Garda Station. He has since been charged and appeared before the courts.
During a follow up investigation on Friday, Gardai arrested three men aged in their 30s and one man in his 20s in connection with the incident.
A man in his 30s was later released without charge pending a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The other three men have since been charged and appeared before a special sitting of Mullingar District Court at 2.45pm on Saturday.
Gardai say investigations are ongoing.
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