A pair of brave Balbriggan residents were hospitalised after they confronted two suspected car thieves late on Monday night.
The shocking incident took place in the Clonard Court area of the north Dublin village at around 9:40pm.
The men were allegedly attempting to break into cars in the estate when they were spotted by homeowners.
A group of locals then confronted the two men, who responded by assaulting two of the group.
A man, who is in his 60s, and a woman in her 50s were injured in the attack and taken to Beaumont Hospital and treated for minor injuries.
Gardai later arrested a man in his 20s in connection with the incident.
A garda spokeswoman said: "Gardaí in Balbriggan are investigating an alleged assault of a male (60s) and female (50s) in Clonard Court, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin on the 7th of October 2019 at approximately 9:40pm.
"Both were taken to Beaumont Hospital with minor injuries.
"One male (20s) was arrested in relation to the incident and detained in Balbriggan Garda Station. Investigations are ongoing."
