Garda appeal after Laois chase ends in crash

GARDAÍ in Laois are appealing for information after a terrifying car chase, which ended in a crash on a rural road.

Three occupants of a black 2008 Seat Ibiza fled through fields following the crash but were eventually tracked down and arrested.

Emergency services, including firefighters, were called to the scene after the garda pursuit last Sunday afternoon.

Gardaí issued an appeal for information and dashcam footage today, in relation to what they described as an ‘incident of dangerous driving’ between 2.15pm and 2.35pm.

The vehicle travelled at speed from Rathdowney to Donaghmore and on to Ballyquaid, before a high-speed garda pursuit from Shanboe to Ballybrophy.

The runaway car then returned through Donaghmore and collided with another vehicle at Grantstown.

Following the collision, the occupants of the car fled on foot across the fields. Three individuals were arrested shortly afterwards.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the Seat Ibiza along the route, has dashcam or CCTV footage from any part of the journey or who noticed ‘suspicious activity’ in the areas mentioned on Sunday 1 June.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Abbeyleix Garda Station on 057 8730580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Posting photos from the crash scene on social media this afternoon, gardaí said: ‘Your assistance could be vital to the investigation.’