VIDEO: Shocking Footage Shows Garda Striking An Elderly Man With a Baton In Gorey

Footage capturing a member of An Garda Siochána striking an elderly man with a baton has gone viral. An altercation broke out during a protest at a NAMA property auction in Gorey, Co. Wexford. The video, filmed by journalist John Rooney captures the garda attempting to arrest a man over allegations of assault. The man refuses to disclose his name and demands that the garda declare the specific act and section he is being charged under. The garda can be seen taking hold of one protester's arm and shouts can be heard from the crowd including "illegal arrest" and "arrest one, arrest all". During the scuffle, an elderly man with a stick can be seen struggling against a garda on the floor. Later, the garda is seen in the middle of the crowd as they shout "peaceful protest". He then draws his baton and strikes an elderly man on the back of the head, causing him to fall to the ground. Speaking to JOE.ie, a Garda spokesman said: "We are aware of an incident that took place yesterday in Gorey, County Wexford. Gardaí arrested a man in his 30s in relation to a public order incident. He was released yesterday evening and file is being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions. "We don't comment on videos posted on social media by third parties, but if someone has a complaint to make to the Garda Ombudsman Commission they are free to do so."