Pensioners hit by car being chased by gardaí

Three pensioners were seriously injured after they were struck by a car being pursued by gardaí in Parteen, Co Clare.

One of the victims — a man in his early 70s — is believed to have lost a leg after he was pinned underneath a Hyundai Accent which crashed into the men and two cars parked in Parteen shortly after 5pm.

The pensioners — who are all understood to be in their 70s — were returning to their cars from nearby Brown’s pub, when the Hyundai veered across the road and hit them.

The two men travelling in the Hyundai are believed to have been involved in a number of burglaries in nearby Doonas, Clonlara, and were being pursued by a Garda patrol car.

Both men fled the scene but one was apprehended a short time later.

Searches are continuing for the second man and gardaí are still trying to establish if the car they were using was stolen.

Gardaí have not confirmed the nature of the injuries suffered by the pensioners but sources at the scene said the man pinned underneath the car had lost a leg. The two other victims suffered less serious injuries.

It’s understood the three men had enjoyed a game of pitch and putt earlier and went for a drink before the horrific incident.

“We are appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident to contact Henry Street Garda Station,” said Supt Dan Keane.