Latest: Gardaí appeal for information after man shoots twice at officers in Wexford
Gardaí in Wexford are appealing for information following an incident where shots were fired from a moving vehicle this morning.
Shortly after 8.30am, uniformed gardaí attempted to stop a Blue BMW 318 in Gorey after they encountered a man who threatened them with a handgun.
The man got into the car which failed to stop along the Gorey to Carnew Road R725 and was driving erratically and dangerously.
The driver of the car twice discharged shots from a handgun at gardaí as they pursued. Neither officer was injured during the incident.
The man is described as being six foot tall and of slim build. He was wearing a long black jacket, a hat and he had a scarf over his face.
The car, registration 06 W 1012, was subsequently discovered burnt out in Banntown, Co Wexford.
Gardaí are appealing for any information relating to the activities and location of the BMW overnight and in recent days.
They are also asking anyone who was driving or using the Gorey to Carnew Rd R725 between 8am and 9am this morning, in particular any person with dashcam video, to contact Gorey Garda Station 053 9430690.
Gardaí also renewed their appeal for information on a dark grey/black Skoda Fabia (or similar) car last seen in the North Wexford/Gorey Town/Clogh areas. It is believed that the suspect fled the Banntown area in this car, possibly driven by a second male.
Members of the public are advised not to approach the men or the vehicle and should call 999 with any information they may have.
Speaking at Gorey Garda station, Superintendent Gerard McGrath said: "The illegal discharge of a firearm is a reckless act at any time but the discharge of a firearm at unarmed uniform members of An Garda Síochána responding to the public needs is an outrageous act.
"I will ensure that this criminal act is investigated fully and I appeal to any member of the public with any information, no matter how small, to call An Garda Síochána with that information to bring this dangerous culprits to justice."
The Garda Representative Association said on twitter: “Another incident of gardaí being fired upon while on patrol. This time Co Wexford near Gorey. Frontline gardaí need more protection.”
Another incident of gardaí being fired upon while on patrol. This time Co Wexford near Gorey. Frontline gardai need more protection.
— GRA (@gardarep) January 29, 2020
Antoinette Cunningham, deputy general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors added: “Thankful that no serious injuries occurred at this incident which highlights the everyday dangers for colleagues who were fired upon while on duty.”
Manhunt underway in Wexford after men fired 'warning shots' when approached by gardaí
Armed garda units are trying to locate a car carrying two men who fired a number of “warning shots” when approached by uniformed gardaí in north Wexford this morning.
It is not yet clear if the shots were aimed at the gardaí or their car, or were discharged into the air, but sources said the intention was to "warn off" the officers.
The members, who had arrived in a marked patrol car, were not physically injured and called for immediate backup.
Garda HQ has issued an alert seeking sightings of the car the gunmen fled in but have urged people not to approach the males and to ring 999 with information.
Gardaí are trying to firm up a description of the car – said to be a dark grey/black Skoda Fabia car, or similar.
The incident is understood to have occurred on the outskirts of Gorey, in the Craanford area, at around 8am.
It is thought that the car the men were in had been in the area for a while and that some locals believed they were acting in a suspicious manner and rang gardaí.
A patrol car was dispatched and when it arrived and the members arrived the warning shots were discharged.
Sources said that while full details were not yet available that at least two shots were discharged to warn off the gardaí.
Gardaí do not yet know what the pair were up to in the area and investigations are being conducted.
It is understood that armed units, including from the Emergency Response Unit and the regional Armed Support Unit, are trying to locate the vehicle.
A statement issued by Garda HQ said: “Gardaí in North Wexford are urgently looking to trace a dark grey/ black Skoda Fabia car (or similar) last seen with two male occupants on board in the North Wexford / Gorey Town/ Clogh areas.
“These males may have been involved in an armed incident in Gorey earlier today.
“Members of the public with information are asked to call 999.
"Do not approach these males or the vehicle.
"Further updates will follow.”
