Cross border search for murder gang

Police on both sides of the border are searching for an armed gang of up to four men, believed to be responsible for the death of a man in County Louth.

A number of other people were also injured during what is understood to have been a number of car-jacking incidents yesterday evening.

The gang, who were armed with machetes, are believed to have crossed the border, into the north after the attacks.

The incidents are believed to have happened shortly after 11pm last night, when a car rammed into a shrine at Upper Faughart, just outside Dundalk.

Following this, an altercation took place, during which, a 37-year-old passenger was killed and the driver of the car – a 41-year-old man, was injured.

Irish police believe that this incident is connected to two attacks earlier in the day, when a man was attacked with a machete, and a woman's people carrier was hijacked.

Following this, a van was hijacked in Bessbrook, County Armagh, shortly after midnight – police believe this incident to be connected to the incidents in the republic.

Anyone who may have witnessed any of the attacks, or anyone who may have any information in connection with them, are asked to contact detectives on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

(EF/KMcA)