Three people were held at gunpoint outside a house in Co Clare last night after a man attempted to rob the property.
The lone gunman, who was wearing a balaclava and in his early 50s, arrived at the house at Deerpark, Sixmilebridge Co Clare at around 5.30pm.
Its not believed there was anyone in the house at the time. The period property is owned by an elderly retired solicitor.
A family friend who was carrying out work at the property was confronted by the gunman.
The workman did not have access to the property so he was held at gunpoint.
When the workman’s daughter and her boyfriend arrived at the property they were also confronted and held.
After almost 90 minutes an attempt was made to overpower the gunman.
During the struggle the younger male hostage was struck with the stock of the gun. The gun also discharged once however no one was injured by the blast.
The gunman was restrained and the alarm raised.
Uniformed gardaí and armed detectives from Shannon arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect.
He was taken to Shannon Garda station where he is being detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.
The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment but was not seriously injured. His girlfriend and her father were unharmed but left shaken.
Gardaí believe the gunman had intended robbing the property however its not clear how the man travelled to the area as no vehicle was found.
The scene has been examined and an investigation is underway.