Three pensioners were seriously injured after they were struck by a car being pursued by gardaí in Parteen, Co Clare.

One of the victims, who is in his early 70s, is believed to have lost a leg after he was pinned underneath a Hyundai Accent, which crashed into the men and two cars parked outside the pitch and putt course in Parteen shortly after 5pm today.

The pensioners, who are all understood to be in their seventies, were returning to their cars from nearby Brown’s pub, when the Hyundai veered across the road and crashed into them as they were standing in the car park in front of two parked cars.

The two men travelling in the Hyundai are believed to have been involved in a number of burglaries in nearby Doonas in Clonlara and were being pursued by a Garda patrol car at the time of the collision.

Both men fled the scene via the Pitch and Putt course but one of them was apprehended a short time later.

Searches are continuing for the second man and gardaí are still trying to establish if the car they were using was stolen.

Fireman had to use special cutting equipment to free the elderly pedestrian who was pinned underneath the Hyundai.

Gardaí have not confirmed the nature of the injuries suffered by the pensioners but sources at the scene said the man pinned underneath the car had lost a leg.

The two other victims who suffered less serious injuries have also been taken to University Hospital Limerick.

It is understood the three men had enjoyed a game of Pitch and Putt earlier today and went for a drink in nearby Brown’s pub before the horrific incident.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact the Gardaí at Henry Street Garda Station,” said Supt Dan Keane.

Three ambulances, a HSE rapid response car carrying a doctor, and three tenders from Limerick City and County Fire Service were alerted to the crash site

The scene has been preserved and gardaí are waiting the arrival of GSOC who will oversee the investigation.

The east Clare village of Parteen is located about 1km from the Limerick border.