A GARDA WAS hospitalised after being struck by a car in a hit-and-run in Co Westmeath. 

The incident happened at around 10am in the Heathfield area of Kinnegad. 

While on routine patrol, gardaí from the Westmeath Roads Policing Unit responded to an alert in relation to a car on their Automatic Number-Plate Recognition system.

As the Garda went to speak to the driver of the car, it drove away and struck them.

They were subsequently brought to the Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

They have since been discharged from hospital and is continuing to receive relevant support from local Garda management. 

The car was found a short time later in Boreen Bradach, a popular walking route in Kinnegad.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward. They are particularly interested in the movements of a red Volkswagen Golf, partial registration number 04TS, which was travelling in the Kinnegad area earlier today. 

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area, today are asked to make it available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Mullingar Garda Station on (044) 9384000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.