Two injured after car crashes into tree following high speed chase in Dublin

The Ford Focus was completely written off after the driver smashed into a tree outside Lidl on St Margaret’s Road in Finglas following a high speed pursuit on Thursday morning.

The passenger in the car was taken to Beaumont Hospital where he underwent surgery for a number of hours to repair extensive damage to internal organs.

He is currently in serious but stable condition in intensive care and is likely to face a lengthy stay in hospital.

The driver of the car escaped with significantly less injuries understood to include a few broken bones.

The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission has been informed of the incident as is standard protocol when there is a serious crash during a garda pursuit.

Gardai are also investigating an incident of dangerous driving arising out of the incident.

A garda spokesman said: "At approximately 3:10am, Gardaí observed the vehicle engaged in dangerous driving and attempted to stop the vehicle. A managed containment operation was undertaken by Gardaí.

"The suspect vehicle was involved in a collision on St Margaret’s Road a short time later."

He said the driver, aged in his late teens, and passenger, aged in his early 20s, were treated at the scene and taken to hospital.

"Forensic collision investigators attended the scene and conducted an examination."

"As the suspect vehicle had interacted with Gardaí earlier in the night this matter has been referred to GSOC."