There were dramatic scenes in Stradbally last night as the Garda helicopter was dispatched following the discovery of a van with copper cables last night.
The incident began at 9.50pm last night when the Divisional task force were called out in response to reports of a vehicle and occupants acting suspiciously.
This was in the Rathmore area of Stradbally and gardai found a van abandoned in a field which contained over 1km of Eir cabling.
The vehicle and property was seized on site.
The Garda helicopter was then called in to provide assistance and ground units endeavored to locate the suspects.
No arrests have yet been made but Gardai say they are following a definite line of inquiry.
One local said: “The suspects were on foot and you could see the helicopter searching for them.
“It was really dramatic stuff. Hopefully the Gardai can find them.”
This is the second time the Garda helicopter has been used in Laois this year.
SEE ALSO – Man arrested after helicopter chase near Ballybrittas
