Probe after garda seen striking a protester

The Garda Ombudsman has opened an investigation after a garda was caught on video striking out at a protester at a property auction in Wexford.

The video, shared widely on social media yesterday, was recorded on Thursday at the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey, where an auction was taking place.

GSOC said yesterday: “The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has opened an investigation into events seen in a video on social media, which appears to show the policing of a protest at a property auction in Gorey, Co Wexford.

The commission is of the opinion that the public interest is best served by an independent investigation of this matter.”

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said: “GSOC, I understand, are investigating that incident. GSOC are an independent body so I would await the outcome of that report.”

The video shows gardaí attending the protest in a crowded lobby.

A man with a walking stick is seen on the ground, with a garda standing over him, while others shout “get off him”.

While the initial struggle subsides, the video appears to show a garda in the middle of the crowd take out a retractable baton, turn around, and strike out at a man behind him.

Gardaí confirmed a man in his 30s was arrested in relation to an alleged assault. He was released and a file is being prepared for the DPP.