Garda assaulted during high-visibility patrol in Limerick city

It is understood the injured garda returned to duty following treatment. File picture

A garda was injured after being assaulted while on a high-visibility patrol in Limerick city.

The incident occurred on O’Connell Street on Wednesday when gardaí observed the attempted theft of an e-bike.

A Garda spokesperson said: “During the course of carrying out an arrest, a member of An Garda Síochána was assaulted. The garda member received treatment at hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.” 

A man in his late teens was arrested in connection with the attempted theft.

Gardaí said investigations are ongoing.

It is understood the injured garda returned to duty following treatment.

The incident comes months after the launch of a permanent High Visibility Policing plan in Limerick city following the allocation of 12 probationer gardaí to the division.

Gardaí from Henry Street and Roxboro Road stations are deployed daily across eight dedicated patrol areas in the city.

The initiative was introduced following calls for increased policing in the city centre amid concerns from local businesses about crime and anti-social behaviour.

Gardaí have said the enhanced patrols are intended to target public order offences, anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, aggressive begging, and shoplifting, with a pro-arrest policy for repeat offenders and strong bail objections where appropriate.