THREE MEN HAVE been arrested in connection with an incident in which a taxi driver was assaulted and his taxi taken.

Gardaí at Lucan have arrested three males in connection with the unauthorised taking of a taxi, and serious assault of the driver on the N4 at Palmerstown at approximately 3.40am on 21 August.

The taxi driver (32) stopped on the N4 to pick up a fare, and three males (28, 19 and 21) entered the taxi. They threatened the driver and forced him to drive in the Lucan direction.

The driver was threatened with what appeared to be a knife and instructed to drive to the Tubber Lane area of Lucan.

When the taxi arrived at this location, the driver was assaulted. The three males left the scene in the taxi and the injured taxi driver then raised the alarm.

The vehicle was found a short time later on fire on Tubber Lane and the three males were arrested shortly afterwards.

The driver was brought to James Connolly Hospital, and his injuries are not life threatening.

The males are currently detained at Lucan and Ronastown Garda Station under Section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984. The area of Tubber Lane has been sealed off for technical examination.

Gardaí are seeking witnesses, in particular anyone who may have been on or around the Palmerstown Road area between 3am and 4am this morning and saw any unusual or suspicious behaviour or anyone with who may have been in the Tubber Lane.

They are asked to contact Lucan Garda station on 01 6667300.