Gardai are investigating the circumstances of an assault on an unarmed uniform member of the force
in the early hours of this morning, (28th February).
At about 2am, a garda on patrol in the Loughan, Blacklion, Co. Cavan area contacted colleagues seeking assistance.
The garda appeared to have been doused in an accelerant.
When gardai arrived at the scene, they found their colleague in a disorientated state and unable to explain what happened.
His official marked patrol vehicle was present at the scene.
There was a strong smell of an accelerant in the air, the garda's uniform was saturated with an accelerant and he had signs of physical injuries.
He was taken to Sligo University Hospital where he continues to be assessed and receive treatment for non-life threatening injuries.
Gardai have sealed off the scene and the Garda Technical Bureau will carry out an examination.
An incident room has been established under a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) at Cavan Garda Station.
Speaking this morning, Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern, of the Cavan Monaghan Garda Division,. said this is a very serious and concerning attack on an unarmed garda going about his normal duties keeping people safe.
He added that 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 Supt.McGovern said 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.
Gardai would like to speak to any person driving on the N16 Cavan road passing Loughan House Prison, or the R206 and R207 at their junction with the N16, between 7pm Sunday and 3am this Monday morning.
They are also appealing t any person with video footage (dashcam or other format) to contact investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with any information can contact Cavan Garda Station at 049 4368800, the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
