Woman Arrested in Drogheda After Handbag Attack and Road Blockage Causes Town Centre Chaos

 Drogheda, June 1, 2025, 09:31 AM IST – A disruptive incident unfolded in Drogheda on the evening of Friday, May 30, as a woman’s erratic behavior brought the town centre to a standstill, leading to her arrest under the Public Order Act. The episode, which occurred around 7:00 PM amidst the pleasant evening sunshine, saw the woman attack shoppers with a large handbag, disrupt local businesses, and block a major junction, causing significant traffic gridlock and alarming residents.

According to eyewitness accounts, the chaos began on West Street when the woman, described as being in her 30s, went “berserk” and knocked a tray of drinks from a waiter’s hands as he served customers outside a local restaurant. “She then started running down the street whacking people she passed by with her handbag for no reason whatsoever,” recounted one witness. “Many shoppers seeing what was going on ran away to the other side of the road for safety.” The woman’s actions escalated when she lay down at the junction of West Street, Duke Street, and Stockwell Street, obstructing traffic for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

The blockage effectively gridlocked the town, frustrating drivers who attempted to move her. “Every time they did, she kept running back to lie on the ground,” the witness continued. “She literally caused chaos for no reason whatsoever. People were shocked by her behaviour.” The disruption persisted until Gardaí arrived, navigating a one-way street to apprehend the woman. She was subsequently taken into custody at Drogheda Garda Station.

Reflecting on the incident, the eyewitness added, “I never seen anything like it before. We were all out having a good time and this woman just caused chaos. She frightened a lot of people by her behaviour. It took at least another half or so before the traffic started moving and the town centre got back to normal.”

In an official statement, Gardaí confirmed they responded to a report of a public order incident on West Street after 7:00 PM on Friday. A female in her 30s was arrested under the Public Order Act and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. She has been charged and is scheduled to appear before Drogheda District Court at a later date.