Car intercepted by armed Gardaí in Dublin after reported kidnapping in Belfast

A car has been intercepted by armed Gardaí in Dublin after the PSNI alerted them to a reported kidnapping in Belfast.

The vehicle was stopped on the M50 last night.

Four men were arrested and a gun was seized.

A man who was reported missing from Belfast was found safe and well.

A statement from Gardaí said, “Following information received from the Police Service of Northern Ireland in relation to a report of kidnap in Belfast on Thursday, 21st March in Northern Ireland, a live Garda managed-containment operation was instigated in Dublin last night, Thursday, March 21st, 2024.”

“ A car was intercepted on the M50 at Junction 4 Ballymun shortly before 10pm by armed Garda units.”

“Four adult males, occupants of the car, were arrested at the scene for alleged offences under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.”

“A firearm, subject to technical and ballistic examination, was recovered from the vehicle.”

“All four individuals are currently detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007, at Garda Stations in the Dublin Region.”

“A fifth adult male occupant of the car, who was reported missing from Belfast, was found safe and well.”

“An Garda Síochána continue to liaise closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland.”

“Investigations are ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time.”