Garda seriously injured in Co Cavan assault

Updated / Monday, 28 Feb 2022 12:09

North-East Correspondent

A garda is being treated in hospital after a serious assault in Blacklion, Co Cavan.

The member, who was in a disoriented state when he was found by colleagues at around 2am, was brought to Sligo General Hospital.

The officer was found in a laneway close to Loughan House open prison.

He managed to raise the alarm and his colleagues located him through the Garda tetra radio system.

It is understood he had been beaten and doused in an accelerant, believed to be petrol.

A technical examination of the scene is under way this morning.

It is unclear what led to the assault and gardaí are trying to establish if the garda may have stopped a car in the area before the incident.

The member, who is stationed in Blacklion, has six years service in An Garda Síochána.

Speaking this morning Chief Superintendent McGovern from Cavan Monaghan Garda Division described it as a “very serious and concerning attack” on an unarmed member of An Garda Síochána, who had been “going about their normal duties keeping people safe”.

“Thankfully the incident has not resulted in a fatality or other serious injury.

“The exact motive for this attack is yet to be determined but it is extremely concerning that a member of An Garda Síochána appears to have been targeted and doused in some form of accelerant, the exact intent of this attack is unknown at this time.

“I am appealing for any person with any information on this attack to contact investigating Gardaí.”

The Garda Representative Association has condemned the incident and said their thoughts are with the Garda and his family today.

Local Representative James Morrisroe said “the horrific and vicious” incident reminds people of the dangers garda members face every day.

“We need legislation that acts both as a deterrent and adequate punishment for such attacks and the GRA believe mandatory custodial sentences are required,” he said.

“Gardaí working alone, particularly in isolated locations need to see that their safety is a priority for our employer and this has to be demonstrated by having adequate numbers of members on duty who have adequate transport, driver training and technology such as body cams,” he added.