Updated at 8.10am

THE GARDA HELICOPTER was called in to assist in an operation in Monaghan Town on Saturday night – with officers arresting four men after a chase across the surrounding countryside.

A number of burglaries were reported in the area last night – and around 7.30pm gardaí received reports of suspicious behaviour around Rope Walk and Belgium Park in the town.

According to a statement:

On arrival a number of males were observed by Gardaí exiting a house at Rope Walk. The men fled the scene on foot into nearby fields.

Uniform and detective units were involved in the hunt, assisted by the Air Support Unit.

Four men aged in their late teens and 20s were detained a short time later.

A car was also seized.

All four were taken to Monaghan Garda Station for questioning under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

Forensic tests have been carried out in the house.

In an update this morning, gardaí said the four men were expected to appear before Monaghan District Court later today.

Comments were closed at 8.10am this morning as legal proceedings are now under way. 

Read: This is why it’s never a good idea to park your car on a frozen lake…

Read: Mary Lou called Brian Hayes a ‘gurrier’ when he tried to grill her about Slab Murphy