Gardai are appealing for witnesses to an alleged assault and carjacking in Longford last night.

A woman in her forties was confronted at knifepoint by two men at Ballymahon Street in the town.

This incident happened just before six o clock as the woman returned to her car at a carpark on Ballymahon Street in Longford. She was forced into her car by two men and driven from the scene at speed.

The car came to the attention of Gardai who began to follow it. A short time later, it hit a ditch on the Athlone Road.

The woman was taken to Mullingar Hospital by ambulance where her injuries are not described as life-threatening.

A male in aged in his 20s was also taken from the scene by ambulance. He was removed to Tullamore Hospital.

A second man fled on foot.

During a follow up operation, involving Gardaí assisted by the Regional Support Unit a man in his 20s was arrested a short distance away. He is currently detained at Longford Garda Station.

Investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses. They are particularly appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of a car park (known locally as Heaton’s Car Park) on Ballymahon St., Longford, between 5.30pm and 6pm to contact them.