Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) Leinster vice-president Joe O’Toole has warned farmers to be vigilant when responding to sales advertisements.

“We have recently received a disturbing report of a savage assault on a member of our national executive who had responded to an advertisement of a jeep for sale,” said O’Toole.

“He was given directions to a particular location which turned out to be a cul-de-sac, and he and his girlfriend were viciously attacked when they arrived there. He ended up in hospital, and it was only by pure luck that no money was taken...reports from around the country suggest that this may not be an isolated incident, and people need to be vigilant.”

The ICSA said that the incident is obviously a matter for the Gardaí, however the organisation is urging people to take every precaution in such situations.

“We would advise that people only arrange to view or pay for goods in a safe, public location and never go alone. If you have any suspicions, report them to Gardaí,” concluded O’Toole.