Gardaí have arrested a man in his 30s after a chase in West Dublin yesterday evening. 

Officers seized a handgun, ammunition and a car as part of the operation. 

At approximately 9.50pm a man fled from a car while being followed by uniformed Gardaí in the Collinstown area of west Dublin.

The man was pursed on foot in to a nearby park. During a follow up search a firearm and ammunition was recovered and a man was arrested. He was taken to Lucan Garda Station where he is currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences against the State Act, 1939.

The firearm, described as a handgun, has been removed to the Garda Technical Bureau for ballistic and forensic examination.

Local Independent councillor Francis Timmons commended the work of gardai in preventing a potential shooting.

“This is great work by the guards and it’s great to hear one of the guards was new from Templemore and only her fourth day on the job. This is a life saved, some family is not mourning the loss of a loved one thanks to the guards,” said Mr Timmons.

“As a community I call on all elected representatives and the community to assist the guards in any way possible to prevent crime in our great community. We have a great community spirit in Clondalkin and murder and crime are not welcome in our community.”