There has been widespread condemnation following a Garda vehicle ramming incident in Co Monaghan yesterday that left two Gardai hospitalised.
The search for the driver of the car that rammed the garda patrol car in Co Monaghan was stood down last night, but Gardai said they are following a definite line of inquiry.
Two men fled the scene, but the man believed to be the passenger was arrested shortly afterwards. He is also suspected of having been involved in an earlier attack on a garda in Monaghan yesterday morning.
There had been widespread condemnation following these incidents towards local Gardai with the Garda Representative Association said the incidents once again act "as a stark and terrifying reminder" of the dangers that gardaí face on a daily basis. The Deputy General Secretary of the GRA James Morris Roe said his thoughts were with the injured gardaí and their families.
Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern, Louth/ Cavan/ Monaghan Garda Division said The incidents yesterday demonstrate clearly the unpredictable and dangerous nature of work carried out by members of An Garda Síochána, who turn up for duty keeping our communities safe every day. These incidents will be fully and diligently investigated, adding that his thoughts and the thoughts of every member of An Garda Síochána are with our colleagues, who will be provided with all necessary supports at this time.
FF Spokesperson for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Senator Robbie Gallagher said this incident illustrates yet again the dangers that the men and women of the Gardai face in their efforts to keep our communities safe for us all. Deputy Matt Carthy who is the Sinn Fein Spokesperson for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration said he was sending best wishes to the members of An Garda Síochána who were injured in Monaghan yesterday. It appears that there could easily have been a fatality. The whole community is united in hopes that they make a full recovery.
Gardai are continuing to investigate all the circumstances surrounding a series of violent incidents towards Gardai which occurred in Co Monaghan yesterday.
Anyone with any information or sighting of a dark grey Audi A6, baring northern registration plates in the general vicinity of the R184 between Ballybay and Clontibret or surrounding roads, or any driver in that area between the hours of 11am and 2pm with any dash cam or other video footage is being asked to contact investigating Gardaí. The Garda investigation team can be contacted at Monaghan Garda Station at 047 77200.
