One man was arrested and two more men and a woman are being sought by Gardai following a foiled raid on a house in Delvin in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The gang escaped into the fields on foot after they were disturbed during the attempted break-in, and the Garda Air Support Unit were called in to assist in the search.
Wednesday morning’s events began in Cootehill, Co Cavan between 2 and 2.30am, when the gang raided a house and stole a car. When this car crashed at Collinstown in north Westmeath, it is believed the four continued their journey in a second car, which had been stolen in Dublin two weeks previously.
A short time later, the gang attempted to break into a house at Stoneyford Park in Delvin. However, as they attempted to break the door and gain entry, they were disturbed by the homeowners and other local people, who contacted the Gardai.
When the gang’s car wouldn’t start, the four attempted to make their getaway by foot. They were observed by gardai, with the assistance of the Garda Air Support Unit and Regional Support Unit, on the Athboy Road, Delvin. An altercation ensued and the four escaped into the fields.
A male in his early 20s was arrested around lunchtime on Wednesday in Ballivor, Co Meath. He was detained in Mullingar Garda Station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, and was later released without charge. A file is being prepared for the DPP.
Gardai are seeking assistance from anyone who witnessed any of the events, or has any information which may help in their investigation.
They are searching for two males, one described as tall and heavy set and the other approximately 5’10” and of slimmer build, and a female of approximately 5’5”, stout build, who is described as having had long hair in a ponytail.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Delvin Gardai at (044 ) 9664193.
