High-speed hijacking in Longford leaves two in hospital

A woman and a man are in separate hospitals in the midlands after a car was allegedly hijacked in Longford town yesterday evening.

A third man who was apprehended near the scene after the car struck a ditch on the Athlone Road is being detained in Longford Garda station.

The woman, aged in her 40s, returned to her car in a car park at Ballymahon Street, Co Longford, shortly before 6pm. Gardaí said she was forced into her car by the men and driven from the scene at speed.

The car was seen and pursued by gardaí. A short time later on the Athlone Road out of Longford, the vehicle left the road and crashed into a ditch.

The woman was taken by ambulance to Mullingar hospital. She is receiving treatment for her injuries which are described as not life-threatening.

Gardaí said a man aged in his 20s was also taken from the scene by ambulance. He was brought to Tullamore hospital where he is said to be comfortable.

A second man was seen fleeing the scene on foot.

Gardaí began an immediate search operation, and a man was arrested and brought to Longford Garda station where he is being questioned under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

A technical examination of the car is under way.

Investigating officers are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Heaton’s Car Park on Ballymahon Street between 5.30pm and 6pm to contact them at Longford Garda station.