Update on garda assault in Blacklion
Local sources have told the Leitrim Observer that the Garda who was assaulted in Blacklion in the early hours of this morning had stopped a suspicious vehicle close to the border village.
It is understood one of the occupants of the car had a gun, the Garda was beaten and doused in petrol along with his patrol car. The Garda was found on a road beside Loughan House open prison in a quiet park area known as Whitefathers cave.
Locals say that a sheep farmer tending to his lambing sheep heard some noise and shone his lamps in the direction. The vehicle left the Garda and sped off.
Emergency services were later notified and the garda was rushed to hospital by ambulance.
It is understood that he is being treated at Sligo General Hospital for serious injuries and remains in a concussed state this morning.
The well-respected officer is originally from Co Roscommon and has been in the locality for a number of years.
The area where the incident happened is sealed off this morning as garda forensic specialists carry out examinations.
There have been no arrests so far.
Local Fianna Fáil Councillor John Paul Feeley said the community is in shock and this is a quiet area "which does not see much trouble." He wished the injured officer a speedy recovery and asked the public to help gardai in their investigations.