LAST UPDATE | 24 Apr

TWO MALE GARDAÍ sustained a range of injuries after being assaulted during a call-out to county council offices in Letterkenny, including bite injuries and an injury to one garda’s eye.

It’s understood that council staff called for garda assistance when a man who was present with his family became difficult to handle.

The incident took place at a public services centre on Neil T. Blaney Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.  

Injuries sustained by gardaí included a bite to the hand and the groin area, and an eye injury that caused a garda to bleed from his eye at the scene.

Both gardaí were hospitalised for their injuries and have since been discharged.

The incident happened in front of members of the public and children, it’s understood.

A man in his 30s has been arrested in relation to the incident and is being detained by gardaí, and a woman in her 30s who was also arrested at the scene has been charged and released.

Donegal-based Garda and former Garda Representative Association (GRA) President Brendan O’Connor today commended the “courage and dedication” of his colleagues who, despite their injuries, “brought the incident to a proper conclusion”.

“I wish them a speedy recovery,” he added.

Grda O’Connor said the incident is a reminder of the dangers gardaí face.

“There is room for improvement in terms of equipment and technology and training, all of which needs to be further examined.

“While we cannot always predict which incidents will turn violent we can do more to protect our people both in terms of the consequences for assailants and providing a safer working environment,” he added.

The woman who was charged is due to appear before Letterkenny District Court on Monday. 

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.