Gardaí in Kerry are investigating an incident in which an American tourist in her late 80s sustained injuries during a mugging incident which took place in the Port Road area of Killarney.
It is understood that the woman is visiting Kerry with her husband.
The incident took place at approximately 8:40 pm with the elderly woman being knocked to the ground after a man pulled her handbag from her before fleeing the scene.
It is understood that the man dropped the lady’s bag after jumping over a wall near the Deenagh River but removed cash from inside it before making his escape.
The Kerryman reported that the woman is understood to have sustained a broken arm and head injuries.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the assault and robbery as well as anyone who might be in possession of dash-cam footage of the Port Road area between 8:30pm – 9pm.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station at 064 6671160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station
Last summer after a spate of attacks on US tourists in Ireland the US Embassy issued a warning to American citizens visiting Ireland.
As Gript previously reported, the U.S. Embassy said it “reminds U.S. citizens to exercise good personal security practices while traveling,” while advising travelers to “safeguard valuables, such as credit cards and passports, and refrain from carrying large amounts of cash.”
The U.S. Embassy Dublin said it “encourages all citizens to be aware of their surroundings, especially when traveling in unfamiliar places, crowded locations, empty streets, or at night,”
The security alert also advised that individuals take steps to avoid becoming victims of pickpocketing and “snatch and grab” robberies of jewellery, phones, and watches.