A number of searches have been carried out by Gardaí.
Following a highly-publicised incident in which
a Garda vehicle was rammed on Monday night, investigating officers have conducted a series of searches at domestic residences in the wider Ballyfermot area of Dublin.
Shortly after 7.30pm on Monday (19 September), Gardaí responded to reports of dangerous driving in the Cherry Orchard area. Upon arrival, Gardaí observed two vehicles driving "erratically".
An official Garda vehicle was subsequently rammed on a number of occasions during the incident. Footage of this was quickly distributed on social media.
On Thursday morning, Gardaí carried out six searches in total, focused on gathering evidence in connection with the incident. A number of items were seized, including electronic devices.
No arrests have been made at this time.
Two Garda members involved in the incident did not report injuries at the time but have since reported unfit for duty. Both members are receiving support from their colleagues and local Garda management and the wider organisational supports of the peer support service and chief medical officer.
A 24-hour counselling service has also been provided, should it be required.
Gardaí continue to appeal to any member of the public who may have witnessed the incident or who has any relevant information to contact Ballyfermot Garda Station on 01 666 7200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Speaking to RTÉ's
Prime Time programme on Tuesday night, Father Michael Murtagh, local parish priest, said that the community was "annoyed" by the events.
"When these things happen, people are quite angry," he said.
"I think people feel a bit helpless as well, not sure what to do. Roughly around after seven last night [Monday], I was here outside the church, and a number of cars began to appear from the side.
"You knew by the tooting of their horn they were up to something."
Murtagh
said that he couldn't confirm whether or not those that took part in the incident were from the area or not.
"I don't personally know who's doing it. The children seem to be very young, quite young, 14, 15, 16 years-of-age, maybe some a little older.
"Where are they from? I don't know. People tell me they don't come from this area, they come into the area from other areas.
"I think Garda intervention, community garda, is quite difficult here because there is a difficult relationship between the young people and the Gardaí.
"That's not blaming anyone, that's just putting it bluntly.They don't trust the Gardaí, and maybe vice versa.
"There's a lot of work needed to be done there to build trust and build community and prevent what happened last night."
