Garda Helicopter Fouls Dublin Traffic
Hundreds of airline passengers had to be diverted mid-flight over Ireland to allow a police helicopter to chase armed robbers.
Air traffic controllers were forced to clear the flight path into Dublin Airport so airborne Garda officers could pursue two men involved in a shopping centre hold-up in the capital.
All incoming flights were ordered to go into a "holding pattern" - circling outside the designated zone - while three passenger planes diverted to Shannon Airport on the west coast to refuel.
Planes diverted as garda helicopter chases armed robbers - Independent.ie
Northern Ireland to add to Police Fleet
The PSNI has bought a fourth police helicopter which it said would be used to strengthen the fight against crime in Northern Ireland.
The £7m aircraft, built by Eurocopter, will ready for use in time for the G8 summit in Enniskillen in June.
It can carry up to 10 people, including crew, and has space for two stretcher casualties in rescue situations.
Police said they had deployed their helicopters on 1,058 occasions so far this year.
These included 56 times for public disorder and 25 for VIP protection.
The PSNI said the "vast majority" of deployments were in support of everyday police work.
BBC News - PSNI purchases new helicopter to use in fight against crime
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Grazie SP! 