IRELAND - A man produced a knife to a guard who stopped him on Patrick St in Cork city centre at around 4.30pm yesterday 22nd May 2011

He slashed the guard across the face, hijacked the guards jeep and drove off, ramming several other vehicles and forcing terrified shoppers to dive for cover.

He drove through the city centre, out the Southlink Road and up to Cork Airport, crashing through the security fence at the old terminal.

The man then hijacked an Airport Fire Emergency vehicle after he produced a knife to the driver.

A short chase ensued around the apron of the airport as the driver made several attempts to knock down security. Airport police gave chase and even the airport fire trucks made attempts to stop him.

He then rammed a stationary police car and made his way towards an Air Lingus plane which was boarding at the time when he collided with a luggage cart and exited the vehicle wearing only his underwear. When he was subdued about 20 police cars and armed response units moved in which were originally keeping distance from the dangerous chase.