Mourners at church thought they were under attack

Mourners attending a funeral where a priest accidentally drove into the gathering crowd feared they were being targetted in a deliberate attack.

Two people were in a serious condition in hospital last night and another five remained under treatment for their injuries following the incident outside the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Clondalkin village, Dublin. At least six other people were treated for minor injuries at the church by a fleet of ambulances and emergency crews dispatched to the scene.

The accident happened at 10.20am as mourners attending the funeral of a popular local father of two gathered outside the church for the arrival of the hearse.