“It is extremely concerning that a member of An Garda Síochána appears to have been targeted and doused in some form of accelerant.”
Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the assault of an unarmed uniform member of An Garda Síochána which took place in the early hours of Monday (28 February).
Gardaí received notice of a member on patrol in the Loughan, Blacklion, area of Cavan at approximately 2am seeking assistance.
The members found their colleague in a disorientated state, with his official marked patrol vehicle present at the scene.
There was a strong smell of an accelerant (highly flammable liquid) reported to be petrol in the air, and the man’s Garda uniform was saturated with the liquid.
The Garda was taken to Sligo University Hospital where he continues to be assessed and receive treatment this morning, for non-life threatening injuries.
Gardaí have sealed off the scene, and the Garda Technical Bureau are set to carry out an examination.
An incident room has been established at Cavan Garda Station, and the Garda member along with his family are being provided support from the Gardaí Employee Assistance Service.
“This is a very serious and concerning attack on an unarmed member of An Garda Síochána going about their normal duties keeping people safe,” Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern of Cavan Monaghan Garda Division said.
“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,” McGovern concluded.
An Garda Síochána would like 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 (27 February) and 3am Monday (28 February), and in particular any person with video footage (dashcam or other format) to contact investigating Gardaí.
Any person with any information on this incident is being asked to contact Cavan Garda Station at 049 4368800, the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
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