A MANHUNT is underway in County Wexford and the surrounding areas after shots were fired at Gardaí as they gave chase to a man who had been 'acting in an unusual manner'.
Shortly after 8:30am this morning, Wednesday January 29, uniformed Gardaí in Gorey responded to reports of a male acting in an unusual manner.
When approached, the male pointed a handgun in their direction and threatened them, before fleeing in a blue BMW 318 (Registration 06 W 1012) driving erratically and dangerously.
As Gardaí pursued the vehicle the driver slowed down twice and discharged shots from the handgun in an attempt to hit the unarmed police officers.
The driver is described in a Garda statement as approximately 6' in height, slim build and wearing a long black jacket.
The male was wearing a hat and was covering his face with a scarf at the time of the shooting.
Gardaí subsequently discovered the BMW burnt out near Banntown, Co Wexford, and are now appealing to the public for any information regarding the activities and location of the vehicle overnight and in the past few days.
It is believed that the suspect fled the Banntown area in a dark grey/ black Skoda Fabia car (or similar), possibly driven by a second male. There is no description of the second male available at this time.
Speaking at a media briefing outside 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.’
Both members of An Garda Síochána were thankfully unharmed in the incident and are receiving the full suport of Garda Welfare Service.
Anyone with information is urged to come forward by contacting Gorey Garda Station on 053 943 0690, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
See More: Garda, Manhunt, Statement, Wexford
