Gardaí investigating “concerning attack” on unarmed officer in Cavan

The incident occurred overnight.

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances surrounding an attack on an unarmed uniform officer which occurred in the early hours of Monday morning. The incident occurred at around 2am on February 28th when a member of An Garda Síochána on patrol in the Loughan, Blacklion, Co. Cavan area contacted colleagues seeking assistance. He was left disoriented and unable to explain to his fellow officers what had happened during the alleged assault. Gardaí managed to identify his location through the North Western Region Headquarters Control Room and the Garda AVPLS system where they then attended the scene supported by Armed Support Units. The Garda involved in the attack was found in a disorientated state with his vehicle present at the scene, a "strong smell of an accelerant in the air, his Garda uniform was saturated with an accelerant and he had signs of physical injuries." He has since been taken to Sligo University Hospital where he continues to be assessed and receive treatment this morning, for non-life threatening injuries. The scene has been sealed off and the Garda Technical Bureau will carry out an examination this morning. An incident room has also been established under a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) at Cavan Garda Station. Speaking this morning Chief Superintendent McGovern of the Cavan Monaghan Garda Division said: "This is a very serious and concerning attack on an unarmed member of An Garda Síochána 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 and his family are continuing to be provided with the assistance of the Employee Assistance Service and all of An Garda Síochána support services, and Gardaí are looking to speak to any person driving on the N16, Cavan, passing Loughan House Prison, or the R206 and R207 at their junction with the N16, between 7pm Sunday 27th February 2022 and 3am Monday 28th February 2022. They are also looking to speak to anyone with video footage, particularly dash cam, and are urging them to contact Gardaí. If you have any information regarding the incident, it is being urged you contact Cavan Garda Station at 049 4368800, the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.