LAST UPDATE | 29 Apr 2021

GARDAÍ HAVE ARRESTED five men after a shot was fired at gardaí during a search operation in Cork this evening.

Officers attached to the Cork City Detective Unit with the support of the Armed Support Unit conducted a search of a premises at Rochestown Road, Co Cork.

Sources have told this publication that the shot was fired in the direction of gardaí. 

While attempting to gain entry to the premises a shot was discharged by the occupants of the premises. The scene was secured by the Armed Support Unit and no injuries were reported.

“There is an ongoing feud between gangs in the Mahon and Rochestown areas of Cork city. 

“Gardaí got information that there were weapons being readied for use in the feud. They went to the house to search for the guns but when they arrived to carry out a breach of the building a shot was fired at the gardaí.

“This was a very dangerous incident and the ASU were able to get in and detain everyone involved without firing a shot,” a source explained.  

The search of the premises resulted in the discovery of two improvised firearms and ammunition alongside and a number of petrol bombs. A number of other weapons including axes, cleavers, hatchets and pikes were also recovered 

A garda spokesman said: “Five people have been arrested in relation to this incident and are currently detained under Section 30 Offences Against the State Act, 1939, at a number of Garda stations in Cork City. This investigation is ongoing.”

With reporting by Niall O’Connor