Male arrested in connection with attempted knifepoint robbery of car

A woman in her sixties was left shaken but unhurt after a knife-wielding male attempted to rob her car while she was inside it on Sunday afternoon. The terrifying incident occurred in the public car park at Austin Friars Street at around 4.40pm. The male, who is in his 20s, approached the woman's car and demanded that she hand over her car keys and get out of the vehicle.

After failing to start the engine, the male fled on foot before being arrested a short time later by Gardai. It is understood that he is due to appear in court this week in connection with the incident.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, a garda spokesperson said that the victim was shaken by the incident.

“She wasn't injured but as you'd imagine it would very upsetting thing for any person to have someone come up at knifepoint and try and take their car from them,” he said.