A car chase in Dublin city on Saturday night led to the recovery of a suspected firearm and the arrest of three men.
The circumstances of the chase have led gardaí to suspect the men may have been involved in a planned gun attack, although investigations are at an early stage.
On Saturday, a silver Mini Cooper was reported stolen in Dublin. At 9.40pm that evening, gardaí on patrol on Davitt Road, Drimnagh, in Dublin 12, spotted the car and indicated for the driver to pull over.
The car sped away and gardaí gave chase, launching what it called a “managed containment operation”.
The Mini drove at speed over Herberton Bridge and into Rialto and nearly collided with several cars which were forced to take evasive action. It was then abandoned at Longs Place in Dublin 8.
Three men, aged in their 30s, fled the car and were arrested a short distance away. Before being arrested, one of the men was seen by garda attempting to throw away a plastic bag.
Gardaí found the bag which contained what appeared to be a firearm. This has been sent to the ballistics section for analysis.
The three men are currently being detained at Crumlin and Kevin Street Garda stations under the provisions of Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939. They can be detained for up to seven days with court approval.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the pursuit, “particularly any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam).
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Sundrive Road Garda Station on 01 6666600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
