LAST UPDATE | 16 Apr

A MAN IN his 20s has been arrested after two gardaí were injured when a patrol car was rammed in Co Monaghan today, while a search for a second suspect has been stood down.

The two gardaí who were in the car when it was rammed were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda for assessment of injuries this evening, a Garda spokesperson said. The car was “severely damaged”. 

Gardaí said that although the manhunt for the second suspect has been stood down, they are “following a definite line of enquiry”.

“An Garda Síochána continue to investigate all the circumstances of a series of violent incidents earlier today,” the spokesperson said. 

“The male in his 20s arrested earlier, remains detained under section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in Co. Monaghan.

“The investigation into the incident is being coordinated from an incident room at Monaghan Garda Station under the direction of a senior investigating officer.”

Any person with any information or sighting of a dark grey Audi A6, 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 dashcam or other video footage is asked to contact investigating Gardaí.

The Garda investigation team can be contacted at Monaghan Garda Station at 047 77200, the Garda Confidential Phone 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

Speaking about today’s incident Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern said:

“The incidents today 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. My 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.”