Garda car rammed during high-speed chase

A Garda car has been rammed during a high-speed chase on the M4 motorway.

The incident happened last night following the robbery of a filling station in Kilbeggan. Staff members were held up by two raiders wielding an iron bar and a sum of money was taken.

The raiders were seen leaving the Topaz Station on the Dublin Road and the gardaí pursued. The Garda helicopter was involved in the search operation.

After the ramming incident the thieves sped down the motorway in the wrong direction.

The red Mazda 323 used by the raiders was later discovered burnt out in Killenard, Co. Laois.

Gardaí believe it was in the Rochfortbridge area before the robbery.

The two staff members at the petrol station were unharmed and the gardaí in the struck patrol car escaped without injury.

Gardaí in Athlone are appealing for information and can be contacted on 09064 92600.