FOUR GARDAÍ WERE injured today during an operation to arrest three men as part of an operation targeting burglaries in the midlands.
Three men aged 36, 38 and 39 were arrested as part of an operation targeting burglaries and theft in rural areas of Laois, Offaly, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny.
Shortly after midnight a 4×4 vehicle, which had been stolen in County Laois in June, failed to stop for gardaí at a checkpoint located at Cloncourse, Portlaoise.
The vehicle then rammed a marked Garda car and collided with a second Garda vehicle.
Three men fled from the 4×4 vehicle into a field close by.
Gardaí immediately searched the area with the assistance of the Garda Air Support Unit and arrested the three men a short time later.
The three arrested men were brought to Portlaoise and Tullamore Garda Stations where they are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
Four gardaí received non-life threatening injuries during the incident and attended Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. No other injuries were reported.
The scene was preserved for technical examination.
Vehicles, trailers and farm equipment have been recovered during on-going searches in connection with the operation.
The operation was carried out by gardaí from Laois/Offaly, Carlow/Kildare and Tipperary Garda Divisions who were assisted by Regional Support Units and the Garda Air Support Unit.
Gardaí say they “remain focused on tackling travelling criminal gangs and prolific burglars”.
They work closely with the main agricultural representative organisations, IFA, ICMSA, to “raise awareness within the farming community and the wider garda organisation on rural crime”.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say