Garda injured as gang crime suspects arrested

An armed garda was recovering in hospital tonight from injuries he suffered while arresting suspected gangland criminals in Limerick.

Officers rammed a car off the road and arrested four people inside after a chase in Drombanna on the outskirts of the city at around 1pm.

During a brief struggle a member of the emergency response unit (ERU) was wounded in the face after he was struck by the door of the vehicle.

He was taken to Limerick Regional Hospital, where his condition is described as stable.

Two of the suspects also received superficial injuries which did not require medical attention.

The incident has been referred to the Garda Ombudsman’s office, which has commenced an investigation.

The arrests were carried out by local gardaí and members of the ERU and regional support unit as part of a continuing investigation into organised crime in the city.

Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy ordered the Emergency Response Unit back onto Limerick’s streets in April over fears of an escalation in gangland violence.

The three men were taken to Bruff, Roxboro Road and Mayorstone Garda stations and the woman to Henry Street Garda station for questioning.

They can be held for up to 72 hours under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939.

Local Fine Gael councillor Leo Walsh said he hoped all those involved in gang crime were brought to justice.

“I give great praise to the gardaí of late, they have made a lot of arrests in the Limerick area and I hope we’ll get on top of them,” he added.

“We need to make sure innocent people don’t get caught in the crossfire.”