Irish police assaulted in Dublin and threatened with 'imitation' gun
Commissioner Justin Kelly said the incident "demonstrates once again the potential dangers that our members face every day".
Irish police assaulted in Dublin and threatened with 'imitation' gun
Gardaí had been trying to approach a man behaving suspiciously
An investigation is under way after gardaí (Irish police) were threatened with what is thought to be a "realistic imitation firearm" in Dublin on Saturday.
Gardaí had been trying to arrest a man when a struggle erupted, during which a garda was also assaulted.
Commissioner Justin Kelly said the incident "demonstrates once again the potential dangers that our members face every day".
An Garda Síochána (Irish police) said searches are continuing for the gun, and added that they are appealing for anyone who saw the incident to come forward.
Gardaí were on active patrol on Abbey Street in Dublin city centre shortly before 05:00 local time.
The man, who had been riding a bike, was chased by two uniformed Gardaí and a trainee Garda.
As he fled the scene, the man threw the firearm into the River Liffey.
Police said a magazine from the weapon was recovered and sent for forensic examination, adding that "preliminary examination of the magazine would indicate the weapon is a "realistic imitation firearm".