A 68-year-old man who was arrested after he rammed his car through the front gates of Trinity College yesterday morning has been released without charge.

The motorist caused extensive damage to the wooden gates at the college’s front arch when he repeatedly drove his vehicle at them in an attempt to get out onto College Green.

The man, believed to be from Cabra, was first noticed driving erratically by cleaning staff in the college at about 6.30am. Security staff called the gardaí and closed the gates in an attempt to stop him from leaving the college’s Front Square.

He used the car to smash his way out onto College Green where he is believed to have crashed into or rammed several other vehicles before turning on to Nassau Street.

He was pursued by a Garda car up Dawson Street and was arrested after colliding with a van.

The man was initially suspected of drink driving but was later released and rearrested after being seen by a doctor.

He was subsequently questioned on suspicion of criminal damage before being released late last night.

Gardaí were last night working on the theory that mental health issues may have been a factor.

Investigations are continuing.