Gardai rescued a number of children from a speeding van after an hour-long pursuit across Cork.
Three Garda vehicles were rammed and extensively damaged and officers faced extreme threats to their safety during the serious operation on Wednesday night. The pursuit that started on the M8 outside Fermoy and ended in Cork city an hour later.
The vehicle was seen speeding along roads and in and out of estates in the Mahon and Carrs Hill area and the pursuit was witnessed by hundreds of people. Gardai had to use a stinger device to eventually stop the car on the way to Carrigaline, CorkBeo reports.
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The incident began shortly before 9pm when a 999 call was made to Gardai about a van driving dangerously on the M8 near Fermoy in the direction of Cork City. This then led to a further incident in the city which saw multiple units respond.
One local who witnessed the pursuit in Mahon told CorkBeo: "It was crazy, sirens and flashing lights everywhere, they went down the link road, a van, really speeding."
A Garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí in Cork are investigating the endangerment of Garda members and related incidents which occurred in the Mahon and Carrs Hill areas on Wednesday.
"At approximately 9.45pm, Gardaí signalled for a van to stop in the Mahon area. The van failed to stop and proceeded to ram a Garda vehicle. A short time later, the van stopped but when Gardaí attempted to engage with the driver, the Garda vehicle was rammed again.
"Two additional Garda vehicles arrived at the scene and attempted to block the van but both vehicles were rammed. A number of additional Garda units responded and a managed containment operation ensued. A stringer device was successfully deployed at Carrs Hill and the vehicle was brought to a halt.
"A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested and later taken Bridewell Garda Station where he is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
"A number of persons, including children, who were in the vehicle at the time were later taken to Cork University Hospital to be assessed. No serious injuries have been reported. An Garda Síochána continues to support and engage with all these persons at this time."
"Two Garda members attended Cork University Hospital to receive medical treatment. Extensive damage was caused to two official Garda vehicles and three other vehicles received minor damage following the incident.
"All members involved are receiving support from their colleagues and local Garda Management and the wider organisational supports of the Peer Support Service, Chief Medical Officer and 24-hour counselling service have been provided if required.
"Anyone with any information in relation to this incident or video footage is asked to contact Anglesea Garda Station on (021) 452 2000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station."
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