Raiders attack garda patrol car
A GANG of armed raiders attacked a Garda squad car with bolt-cutters and a crowbar after they were caught breaking into a supermarket last week.
The five suspects then fled in a waiting car while being pursued by the damaged squad car.
The incident happened at 1.25 a.m. on Friday morning as gardaí from Wicklow were responding to reports of a break-in at the Centra convenience store at Ashford.
After pulling into the car park, the gardaí were confronted by two members of the gang holding bolt-cutters and a crowbar, who proceeded to repeatedly and violently strike the bonnet and windows of the vehicle.
The windscreen and a rear side window were both smashed, as was the car bumper, while a section of the bonnet was also badly damaged.
The raiders then drove off at high-speed toward the motorway, with the damaged Garda car in pursuit.
The suspects headed north but took an exit at Cullenmore and continued driving, this time southwards.
The pursuing gardai eventually lost sight of the car near Lil Doyle’s and were unable to follow the vehicle any further.
The five males involved in the attempted robbery all wore hoodies and scarves to protect their identity. They managed to gain access to the shop by forcing the shutters open and cutting locks on the doors. CCTV and alarm wires were also cut.
However, the rapid response of the gardaí, meant the culprits had only just gained access into the supermarket before the squad car arrived.
The men were driving a dark coloured Audi with 09 Clare registration plates.
‘ These men were armed and showed no regard for the well-being of these two gardaí at all,’ said a garda spokesperson. ‘It is just very fortunate that neither of the gardaí were seriously hurt.’
Anyone who may be able to assist the Gardai with their investigations should contact Wicklow Garda Station at (0404) 67107.