LAST UPDATE | 29 Jan 2020

GARDAÍ IN NORTH Wexford are warning the public not to approach two males who are suspected to have been involved in an armed incident near Gorey. 

Shortly after 8.30am today, uniform gardaí in Gorey encountered a man who pointed a handgun in their direction and threatened them. 

The man then fled the scene in a blue BMW 318. The car failed to stop for gardaí on the Gorey to Carnew Road, R725, driving erratically and dangerously. 

Gardaí said the driver of the car discharged two shots from a handgun at officers who were pursuing them. There are no reports of any injuries. 

This male is described as 6’ tall, of slim build, wearing a long black jacket, a scarf over his face and a hat.

The blue BMW, with the registration 06W1012, was later found burned out in the townland of Banntown in Co Wexford. Gardaí are appealing for any information about the activities and location of this BMW overnight and in recent days. 

A manhunt is now under way as gardaí seek to trace a second car. 

They are continuing to appeal for any information about a dark grey/black Skoda Fabia car (or a similar car) last seen with two male occupants on board in the north Wexford, Gorey town and Clogh areas. 

This vehicle has yet to be located with Gardaí appealing to anyone with information on its exact identity or current location to provide us with that information.

Gardaí are also appealing for any person driving or using the Gorey to Carnew Rd R725 between 0800 and 0900 this morning, in particular any person with dashcam video to contact Gorey Garda Station 053 9430690.

Members of the public with information are also asked to call 999. 

“Do not approach these males or the vehicle,” gardaí have warned. 

Speaking at Gorey Garda station this afternoon, Superintendent Gerard McGrath said: “The illegal discharge of a firearm is a reckless act at any time but the discharge of a firearm at unarmed uniform members of An Garda Síochána responding to the public needs is an outrageous act.

I will ensure that this criminal act is investigated fully and I appeal to any member of the public with any information, no matter how small, to call An Garda Síochána with that information to bring this dangerous culprits to justice.”

- With reporting by Michelle Hennessy.