Gardaí in County Westmeath say they now suspect a local criminal gang element was involved in the hijacking of two taxis and the assault of two drivers near Castlepollard.
The incident happened at the Westmeath town last weekend.
A forensic examination of the two cars owned by Nolan Taxis is taking place. Mr Nolan's first taxi - a Mercedes - was burnt out.
The second vehicle - a Toyota Avensis - is extensively burned inside. One of the drivers says a gun was held to his head in two occasions during the ordeal.
