Garda injured in Longford hit and run incident

A garda is receiving treatment in hospital after a hit and run incident that sparked a chase around the Ballinalee Road in Longford yesterday afternoon and ended in a serious crash.

Gardaí investigations into the dangerous driving incident which resulted in several road traffic collisions.

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.

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

Forensic collision investigators attended the scene and have conducted an examination. One Garda member has been taken to Tullamore Hospital to be treated for non-life threatening Injuries. The driver of the vehicle has been taken to Tullamore Hospital to be treated for serious injuries.

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