A garda is in a serious condition in hospital after being struck by a van in a hit-and-run incident in Co Louth.
The incident took place just outside the centre of Ardee town in the early hours of this morning.
Gardaí were on routine patrol in the Clonmore Estate at around 4.20am when they became suspicious of a van that was parked up.
Two gardaí got out of their patrol car and approached the van on foot before the driver of the van accelerated at them, striking one.
The male garda sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
It is understood the garda is due to undergo surgery this afternoon.
The scene has been preserved to allow for a technical examination to be carried out.
Garda welfare services have been put in place for the injured garda and his colleagues.
The President of the Garda Representative Association Mark O'Meara described the incident as extremely serious and concerning.
He said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured member, his family and colleagues in the Ardee community.
"It is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by frontline gardaí on a daily basis while on duty and I want to wish our colleague the very best and hope for a full recovery.
"Our Louth divisional representative will be liaising with the member's family and colleagues to monitor his progress."
Gardaí have appealed to witnesses to this incident to come forward.
In particular, they are asking anyone who may have camera footage and were travelling in Clonmore estate area between 4am and 4.40am to make this footage available to gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ardee Garda Station on 041 687 1330, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
