As part of an operation targeting burglaries and theft in rural areas of Laois, Offaly, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny, Gardaí have arrested three men, aged 36, 38 and 39 years.

This morning, Tuesday 12th July 2016, shortly after midnight a 4x4 vehicle, subject of an unauthorised taking in County Laois on 23rd/24th June 2016, failed to stop for Gardaí at a road checkpoint located at Cloncourse, Portlaoise. This vehicle then rammed a marked Garda car and collided with a second Garda vehicle. Three men fled from the 4x4 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 this operation.

This 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 remain focused on tackling travelling criminal gangs and prolific burglars. An Garda Síochána continues to 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.