Helicopter assisted in garda pursuit in early hours of Monday

Residents of the greater Ballinderry area of Mullingar were awakened by the sound of a circling Garda helicopter in the early hours of this morning (Monday).

It is understood that the helicopter was already in the air over Mullingar when it assisted in a Garda pursuit of a vehicle at around 12.30am.

The aircraft maintained a low flight path over the Ballinderry and Newtown Lawns areas, with the distinctive sound of its propellers rousing residents from their slumber.

The Westmeath Examiner understands that gardaí caught up with the vehicle being pursued shortly after receiving aerial support.