Dramatic video and images show injured burglary gang suspects after Garda chase and crash

Five members of a prolific criminal gang suspected of a burglary crime-wave across Leinster were arrested following the high-speed chase and remained in custody this morning.

The men, aged between their teens and 40s and with close links to murdered crime boss 'Fat' Andy Connors, were detained following a garda pursuit that reached speeds of up to 160km/ph.

The car involved in the pursuit later crashed in Naas, Co Kildare.

Three of the suspects were treated at the side of the road for head injuries before being taken to hospital.

The suspects all have links to the Tallaght area and are being investigated for dozens of burglaries in recent weeks.

In a video obtained by the Sunday World, an unmarked Garda car can be seen in pursuit of the crime gang as they made their getaway along country roads in Kildare.

A garda patrol car then follows.

Specialist anti-burglary detectives as well as local gardaí were involved in last night's operation.

The dramatic chase also involved the garda helicopter.

All men in custody have close links to slain Tallaght burglary boss ‘Fat’ Andy Connors, including a very close associate of the murdered criminal aged in his late 20s.

This individual is understood to be currently on bail for a range of offences including burglary related crimes.

The gang also have close links to Nurney, Co Kildare, and are suspected of over half a dozen commercial and residential burglaries in three counties today – Kildare, Meath and Carlow.

Gardaí believe they have been using a high-powered Audi SQ5 which was stolen in London last month and have been carrying out detailed surveillance of the organised crime group.

The vehicle has also been linked to break-ins in most Leinster counties in recent weeks including Westmeath and Cavan.

They were being monitored by specialist gardaí as their crime spree continued throughout the day which led them to being picked up by officers in the Maynooth area shortly after 7pm on Tuesday.

The gang attempted to flee using back roads but eventually crashed and flipped their car near the Lidl on the Newbridge Road in Naas.

One source said: "They have been using their usual modus-operandi, of hitting a rural area using a high-powered car in a blitz before moving onto the next target.

"They have also been changing the car's number plates daily in a further attempt to avoid detection."

A garda spokesman said last night: "Two men, aged in their 20s, are currently being detained at Naas garda station under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007.

"Three men, aged in their late teens, 20s and 40s, were taken to hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries."

Gardaí will now question the gang in relation to a series of break-ins across the Leinster area in the past month as well as today's crimes.

The situation could have become even more dangerous according to sources as the gang were driving into traffic which was expected to increase significantly with punters leaving a meeting at Punchestown Racecourse around half an hour after the pursuit ended.

A large number of garda units were involved in what sources say is a “very significant operation".

"This is a great result for gardaí and thankfully this operation concluded without any serious injuries and the arrests of five men suspected of being involved in an organised burglary gang," a source said.