Gardai and protesters clash after an auction was stopped in Gorey.

Sinn Féin councillor Johnny Mythen has expressed concern at footage circulating on social media of Garda treatment of members of the public who were protesting at the sale of NAMA properties in Gorey yesterday.

Over 50 activists from several local groups, including the newly formed Wexford Housing Action Group and local from the town, disrupted a scheduled auction in a local hotel and the auction had to be abandoned.

Gardaí were called after a complaint that the Sheriff had been assaulted by a protestor.

As a Garda tried to arrest a protestor, a scuffle broke out, and it is alleged that a Garda produced an extendable metal baton and and hit a man in the legs and back and across his head.

“The behaviour of Gardaí at the protest appears, from the available video, to warrant serious and immediate investigation by the Garda authorities,” claimed Cllr Mythen.

The Garda Press Office does not comment on video posted by third parties on social media and enquiries are being directed to the Garda Ombudsman’s Office, GSOC.