Garda hailed as a hero after being struck by criminals in speeding van

A Garda motorcyclist tossed into the air by a speeding stolen van was yesterday hailed a hero for safeguarding other road users from being killed or seriously injured.

Garda Michael Twomey, who is in his 30s, is recovering in Cork University Hospital after a dramatic Garda pursuit during the morning rush hour.

The officer had halted motorists on a main road on the northern outskirts of Cork City to help avoid any contact with a van which had earlier careered through city streets, often on the wrong side of the road, ramming Garda cars and other vehicles.