UPDATE: Teenager arrested after joyriding spree which damaged three cars in Blackpool 

A joyrider is in custody after driving dangerously through the Blackpool Retail Park this morning, damaging three cars and sending an elderly woman to hospital with minor injuries.

The young driver crashed into two vans, before smashing into a car being driven by an elderly woman and then proceeded to speed through the junction, mounting the footpath and crashing into the barrier in front of Bank of Ireland.

Speaking to The Echo, local councillor Ken O’Flynn, who witnessed the incident, said it was a miracle no one was killed.

“We are all in shock,” Mr O’Flynn said. “One thing that really shone through was the great community spirit that is here in Blackpool, everyone helped out and a local young man from Dublin Hill apprehended the joyrider after he crashed while his friend called the Guards.” 

Mr O’Flynn thanked the shopping centre staff who he said went above and beyond to ensure everyone was alright after the incident.

“I can’t thank them enough and that young man is a credit to his family for catching that driver and staying with him until the Gardaí arrived.” The woman, who is thought to be in her 70’s, was taken by ambulance to the hospital to be treated for shock and other minor ailments.

According to those at the scene, the woman was complaining of pain to her arms and legs when she was waiting for the ambulance.

A statement released by the Garda Press Offfice stated: "Gardaí have arrested a juvenile in his mid-teens in relation to a number of traffic collisions in the Blackpool area.

"The car he was driving, which is believed to have been stolen this morning from the Shandon Street area of Cork city, was involved in a number of road traffic collisions in the Blackpool area shortly before 12 midday.

"A woman received non-life threaten injuries as a result of one of the collisions and has been brought to Cork University Hospital.

"A juvenile was arrested following the collisions and is currently detained at Mayfield Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

"Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have camera footage of the incident to contact them. If anyone in the area notices any damage caused to their vehicle that they believe was caused as a result of this incident they are asked to contact Watercourse Road Garda Station on 021-4558260."