GARDAÍ ARE APPEALING for witnesses to an incident early this morning where a van was driven at a Garda on patrol in Ardee, Co Louth, causing serious injuries.

The incident took place in Clonmore Estate at around 4:20am today when Gardaí approached a parked van.

The van is understood to have been driven at the Gardaí, injuring one who had exited their patrol vehicle to investigate.

He sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

A technical examination of the scene is taking place.

Mark O’Meara, President of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) described the incident as ”extremely serious and concerning”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured member, his family and colleagues in the Ardee community.

“It is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by frontline Gardaí on a daily basis while on duty and I want to wish our colleague the very best and hope for  a full recovery.

“Our Louth divisional representative will be liaising with the member’s family and colleagues to monitor his progress.”

An Garda Síochána released a statement, calling for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in Clonmore Estate area between 4:00am and 4:40am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

“Garda welfare services have been put in place for the injured Garda member and his colleagues,” it said.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Ardee Garda Station on 041 6871330, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Dolores Minogue, a local councillor in Ardee, said she was “deeply saddened” by the incident.

“Ardee Town has a strong sense of community and has a reputation as a great place to live.

“I know that the people stand united and support the gardaí at this time.”