Criminals behind a suspected arson attack on cars belonging to off-duty gardai have been condemned.
The overnight incident in Knockbridge, just outside Dundalk in Co Louth, was described as "intimidation" by Louth deputy Declan Breathnach.
The cars were parked in a private housing estate in Knockbridge and at this stage it is thought one was set on fire and this resulted in damage being caused to the cars parked beside it.
The three vehicles belong to off-duty gardai.
Deputy Breathnach, who lives in Knockbridge, said: "Intimidation of gardai or officers of our State is not something the vast majority of citizens of this State support.
"I condemn such actions by those criminals whose activity in my area is not reflective of the residents of Knockbridge or Co Louth."
The Garda Press Office did not confirm who owned the vehicles.
In a statement a spokesperson said: "Gardaí in Dundalk are investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred to a car at a house in Knockbridge, Dundalk in the early hours this morning."
A spokesperson added that no one was injured and "investigations are ongoing".
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