Two arrested after patrol car chase

TWO youths were arrested yesterday following a police chase during which a firearm was pointed at an unarmed garda.

Armed officers were called and a raid was carried out on a house in the Clondalkin area of west Dublin.

Two men, aged 20 and 22, were arrested at the scene and three firearms were recovered.

The men had fled in their car after they were seen acting suspiciously by a garda patrol unit at around 7am.

“Uniformed gardaí on patrol on Collinstown Road spotted a man wearing a balaclava in a car along with another man,” said a garda spokesman. “They drove off after the gardaí went to check on them.”

The spokesman said that a car chase ensued and that the youths drove a short distance to Moorfield Green, before abandoning the car and making off on foot.

“Both gardaí gave chase on foot and a firearm was produced on one garda,” said the spokesman.

The gardaí called for back-up and further units were dispatched. Two men were arrested and detained at Lucan Garda station under the provisions of Section 30 Offences Against the State Act, 1939, which provides a maximum detention period of three days.

The spokesman said three handguns were found in the house and the car involved was believed to be stolen.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell congratulated the gardaí for their professionalism.