Appeal for witnesses after Longford incident

Forensic collision investigators attended the scene and have conducted an examination.

Gardaí investigating an incident of dangerous driving which resulted in several road traffic collisions in Longford last night are appealing for any witnesses with information to come forward.

An injured garda has since been released from Tullamore Hospital where he received treatment non-life threatening injuries after allegedly being hit during a hit and run that sparked a chase around the Ballinalee Road in Longford on Monday afternoon, March 22.

At approximately 4pm Gardaí received reports of a vehicle driving erratically and conducted a stop on the Ballinalee Road. As Gardaí approached the vehicle, the driver failed to remain at the scene striking a Garda member as they drove away.

Garda Units from Longford engaged the vehicle in what the gardaí describe as “a managed containment operation”.

The vehicle proceeded to the Ard Aoibhinn area where it collided with a Garda patrol vehicle.

It then left the scene and drove to the Ardnacassa area where it then collided with a wall.

The driver of the vehicle was also taken to Tullamore Hospital where he continues to undergo treatment.

Forensic collision investigators attended the scene and have conducted an examination.

The matter has been referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.

Gardaí are now appealing to anyone who may have any information in relation to this incident to come forward to them.

In particular, anyone who may have been in the Ardnacassa, Ard Aoibhinn (Ardeevan) and Ballinalee Road areas of Longford Town between 4.00 - 4.30pm.

Any persons with mobile phone or CCTV footage or road users who may have camera (including dash cam) footage are also asked to make this available to Gardaí at Longford 043 335 0570 , the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.