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 members of An Garda Síochána were assaulted and injured in a series of violent incidents in Waterford.

Over a three-day period from October 17 to 19, three separate incidents were reported to gardaí.

On Thursday, October 17, officers responded to a domestic incident after a request for assistance from the National Ambulance Service.

When they arrived, gardaí encountered an aggressive and intoxicated woman.

As officers attempted to arrest her, a group of individuals at the scene attacked three garda members. Despite the sustained assault, the woman was arrested and taken to Dungarvan Garda Station.

All three gardaí were declared unfit for duty following medical assessments, and one required hospital treatment.

Two of the injured officers remain off duty.

In a separate, unrelated incident later that day, two other garda members were assaulted at Dungarvan Garda Station by a man who had been arrested under the Public Order Act. Both required hospital treatment and remain off duty.

A third incident occurred shortly after 10pm on Saturday, October 19, when two gardaí responded to a disturbance involving two men on Sexton Street, Dungarvan.

Both officers were assaulted while responding but remained on duty afterward.

An Garda Síochána has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding all three incidents.

The force said local management is providing full support to all members involved.

'Unacceptable'

Speaking about the incidents, Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit of the 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. These incidents will be fully investigated.

"My thoughts are with the garda members involved, who will receive all available support. The public can be assured that full policing services will be maintained.

"I commend the dedication and support of the members who have made themselves available to assist their colleagues at this time."

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