Gardaí have yet to bring charges against anyone in relation to a pepper spray attack on Wellpark's Eye Cinema on Sunday night, which resulted in over 800 cinemagoers and staff being evacuated from the premises.

The patrons and staff were evacuated from the cinema at approximately 10pm on Sunday when they began coughing and complaining of dryness of the throat, both of which can be caused by pepper spray.

Gardaí from Mill Street station and Galway Fire Brigade attended the scene and all patrons and staff were sent home.

A similar incident took place later that night at a Statoil station in Salthill, when a spray was released through the hatch at the service station while an employee went to get goods for a customer. An 18-year-old man was arrested shortly after and was detained at Mill Street Station. However, he was later released without charge and a file is being currently prepared for the DPP.

It is believed that gardaí wish to speak to another youth in relation to the attacks, which are thought to be linked.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Eye Cinema has praised their staff and management and thanked their customers for their patience during the evacuation.

"Eye Cinema would like to acknowledge the quick-thinking and professionalism of their staff and management who saw the safe evacuation of over 800 patrons from the premises late last night. The move came in response to a criminal act currently under investigation by the Garda Síochana and we would like to thank all our customers for their patience and forbearance during the evacuation.

"We would also welcome any of those who were inconvenienced by last night's events to retain their ticket stubs and to contact the Eye Cinema for a cash refund or the provision of a new ticket for another screening at another time. The cinema remains unaffected by last night's events and will continue to operate as normal."

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