Multiple gardaí hospitalised after string of violent attacks in Waterford

Seven gardaí were injured in three violent Waterford incidents, with several hospitalised and investigations now underway

The man appeared at a special sitting of Gorey District Court

Seven gardaí were injured – three of them hospitalised – after separate assaults in the same town over four nights.

Garda HQ said there is no connection between the violent incidents, which all happened in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, between last Thursday and Sunday.

Gardaí received punches, including to the back of the head or into the eyes, with one garda receiving a flying punch into his face.

In the first incident, last Thursday night, a young male was brought to Dungarvan Garda Station after being arrested under the Public Order Act.

The Irish Examiner understands that the man, who may be dealing with mental health issues, “kicked off” in the station and boxed a male garda and subsequently, at the cell, hit a female garda in the face.

In a statement Garda HQ said that “both gardaí required hospital treatment and remain off duty.” 

On Friday night, Garda HQ said gardaí responded to an incident at a house following a request for assistance from the National Ambulance Service.

“Gardaí encountered an aggressive and intoxicated female,” it said. 

“As gardaí attempted to arrest her, a group of individuals at the scene physically assaulted three garda members."

Sources said that as the gardaí were taking the woman away, a number of people, known to the woman, came out of a house and attacked them.

They said the two male gardaí received “blows to the back of their heads” as they tried to bring the woman into the patrol car and that a female garda got a “smack in the face”.

Garda HQ said that “despite the sustained attack”, the suspect was successfully brought to station.

The statement said: “All three gardaí were deemed unfit for duty following medical assessments and one required further treatment at an Emergency Department. Two remain off duty at this time.” 

On Sunday, after 10pm, two Garda members responded to a disturbance involving two adult males on Sexton Street.

Garda HQ said: “Both were assaulted. Use of Force options were deployed by gardaí to restrain and arrest both individuals. These two Gardaí remained on duty.” 

A video has circulated on social media platforms showing the two males resisting arrest. 

At one point one of the males can be seen running at a garda, jumping into the air, and punching the garda in the face on landing.

Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit, Waterford/ Kilkenny Garda Division said: "Attacks on members of An Garda Síochána are deplorable. 

Emergency service personnel, including An Garda Síochána and the National Ambulance Service, respond to incidents to help citizens. 

It is unacceptable that any of them should be assaulted while on duty."

GRA Waterford representative Peter Firth said: “These separate attacks go to show the varying risks our members face on a daily basis whether when out protecting the public on the streets of Waterford or even in the perceived safety of the station. 

"A clear message needs to go out today that there is never an excuse for attacking Gardaí who were simply doing their job and trying to keep the streets safe.”

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