Garda Assault, Blacklion, Co Cavan on the 28/2/22

An Garda Síochána are currently investigating the circumstances of an assault on an unarmed uniform member of An Garda Síochána which took place in the early hours of the 28 February 2022.

The uniformed member left Ballyconnell Garda Station at approx. 00.30am on 28 February 2022.  He was travelling in the direction of Blacklion via Glangevlin on the R206 and arrived at the scene at Whitefathers Caves, Killycarney, Blacklion, Co Cavan.

At approximately 2am on the 28 February 2022 a member of An Garda Síochána on patrol in the Loughan, Blacklion, Co. Cavan area contacted colleagues seeking assistance. The member was disorientated and unable to explain the exact circumstances of events taking place. Uniform members of An Garda Síochána together with Armed Support Units located their colleague in a disorientated state. His official marked patrol vehicle was present at the scene. There was a strong smell of an accelerant in the air, his Garda uniform was saturated with an accelerant and he had signs of physical injuries.  He was taken to Sligo University Hospital.

An Garda Síochána sealed off the scene and the Garda Technical Bureau carried out an examination of the scene.  An incident room has been established under a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) at Cavan Garda Station. The Garda member and his family have and will continue to be provided with the assistance of the Employee Assistance Service and all of An Garda Síochána support services. 

Appeal

• Did you travel on the R206 Glangevlin to Blacklion Road or on the N16 Sligo to Blacklion Road between the hours of 12am to 2.30am on the Sunday night into Monday morning of the 28 February 2022.  Did you see anything or do you have any dash cam footage?

• The Garda member was driving a Ford Ranger jeep, which is a multi-purpose vehicle now in use in border and rough terrain areas by An Garda Síochána.  It is not a common fleet due to its size and visibility. Did you notice the jeep, or observe anything suspicious near White Father Caves. Did you notice any other vehicle?

• Do you have any information that may assist the investigation?

Gardaí at Cavan Garda Station investigating tel: (049) 436 8800