Updated 16:05.
THREE TEENAGERS HAVE been arrested after a taxi driver and shopkeeper were assaulted in two separate incidents in Athlone.
The taxi driver, aged in his 70s, is in hospital after being stabbed over 30 times by two men yesterday morning.
The driver picked up the young men from Church St at around 1:30am.
On the way to their destination, the men threatened the driver with knives and stabbed him a number of times.
It’s also reported that the men tied the seat belt around the driver’s neck before fleeing with the driver’s cash and his watch.
The driver was then taken to Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe with injuries to his face and hands. He has since been discharged.
Attempted armed robbery
On Tuesday evening at around 5:45, three young men armed with a firearm and an iron bar entered a shop on Ballymahon Road.
They threatened and assaulted the shop keeper, aged in his 70s, before leaving the scene on foot empty handed.
The injured man was taken to Portiuncula Hospital where he was treated for head injuries. He was later discharged.
During a follow up operation, gardaí arrested three males aged in their late teens.
All three are currently being held in Athlone Garda Station.
Gardaí say they are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed anything to contact them at Athlone Garda Station on 090 64 92609, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any garda Station.
Originally posted 1:18pm.
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