23/04/2009

Gang Attacks Corrib Shell Compound

There's a hunt on today for a gang of men who attacked security staff at a site owned by Shell in Co Mayo.

Gardaí believe the masked men attacked the site because of their opposition to the controversial project.

Earlier this week Shell EP Ireland decided to resume efforts to lay the offshore section of the controversial Corrib gas pipeline after its environmental management plan was approved by Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan.

The latest development has led to Gardaí in Belmullet investigating the incident which they said occurred at the Shell compound at Glengad at approximately 11.30pm last night.

The police are now seeking up to 15 men reported as wearing balaclavas and being armed with iron bars and chains.

They entered the compound and threatened the security staff.

A digger which was secured on the site was also started-up by the intruders and used to cause damage.

One member of the security staff received an injury to his arm and received medical attention.

Meanwhile, a protester who was present on the site since yesterday was this morning removed from the compound by security staff.

Shortly before 4am residents reported that the local protestor was being removed from the lorry that he had been sleeping beside.

Shell security staff - who they said were wearing balaclavas and no identification - took him away.

He was moved to Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar by ambulance - believed to be suffering a neck injury.

Anti-pipeline protests have been ongoing for some considerable time, but the overnight incident is seen as a particular escalation.

See: Gasline Protester Goes On Hunger Strike

(BMcC/JM)

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