Two men were arrested following a garda pursuit - involving the Air Support Unit - across two counties on Wednesday.
The males - one in his 20s and a juvenile - are alleged to have hijacked two cars in Kildare and Dublin within 45 minutes.
Several garda units including a helicopter from the Air Support Unit responded to the alleged hijackings in Leixlip and Lucan and arrested both males a short time later.
The first incident occurred in Leixlip at 9.15pm when a parked Renault Clio was hijacked before being driven to Lucan where it was set alight.
A short time later, at 10pm, gardaí were alerted to another hijacking incident on Lower Main Street, in Lucan.
The driver of a Volkswagen Tiguan was threatened by two armed males before being forced from his car.
No injuries were reported, and the car was driven away.
Tonight, both males remain in custody in Ronanstown Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
In a statement, An Garda Siochana said: “Gardaí arrested two males following hijacking and criminal damage incidents which occurred in the Leixlip and Lucan areas on Wednesday night, 1st March.
“At 9.15pm, a parked vehicle was hijacked in Leixlip, Co Kildare. This car was later discovered damaged by fire in the Lucan area of Dublin.
“After 10pm, a hijacking incident was then reported on the Lower Main Street in Lucan. The vehicle was located shortly afterwards by Gardaí.
“Following Garda enquiries, a man in his 20s, and a male juvenile were later arrested by Garda in connection with these incidents.
“They are currently detained at Ronanstown Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984,” the statement said.
Investigations ongoing.
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