Police on both sides of the border are searching for an armed gang following the killing of a man in Co Louth and the injuring of two others.
The attacks took place during a series of car hijackings last night.
It is believed the gang of four men, who were armed with a machete, may have crossed over the border from Co Louth.
It is understood the group rammed a car at St Brigid's Shrine at Upper Faughart, just outside Dundalk, shortly after 11pm.
An altercation then took place during which the 37-year-old passenger was killed and the 41-year-old driver was injured.
The man who died was from Co Louth, but his identity has not yet been made known. He was found lying on the pavement by gardaí who arrived at the scene.
Gardaí believe the assaults are linked to two earlier attacks.
During one attack, a man was wounded with a machete. He was admitted to hospital where he received 45 stitches to his arm.
In another attack, a gang stole a car from a woman who had been travelling with her son.
Gardaí believe the hijackers may still be using this vehicle, a Mitsubishi people carrier registration 00-LH 895.
Detectives believe the attacks may also be linked to the hijacking at midnight of a white escort van registration number MAZ 2408 from Bessbrook in Co Armagh.
One of the gang members is believed to have a Dublin accent.
Any person with information is asked to contact gardaí at Dundalk Garda Station on 042-9388400.
