Garda hospitalised after being struck by car in hit-and-run

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.

A member of the gardaí has been hospitalised after being struck by a car in a hit-and-run in Co Westmeath.

The incident took place in Kinnegad on Thursday at 10am.

While on a routine patrol, gardaí responded to an alert in relation to a car on their number plate recognition system.

As a garda went to speak to the driver of the car, it drove away and struck the member of the force.

They were brought to the Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar to be treated for injuries which were not life-threatening. 

The garda has since been discharged from hospital.

They continue to receive "any relevant supports from local Garda management", a statement said. 

The car was found a short time later in Boreen Bradach, Kinnegad, a popular walking route.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.

A spokesperson said: "Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area, today, Thursday 10th April 2025, are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

"Gardaí are particularly interested in the movements of this red Volkswagen Golf, partial registration number 04TS, travelling in the Kinnegad area earlier today.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Mullingar Garda Station on [phone], the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station."