LAST UPDATE | 20 Jun 2018

THE GARDA OMBUDSMAN is investigating a crash in Ballyfermot, west Dublin, yesterday which left a young woman fighting for her life.

The incident took place on the junction of Sarsfield Road and Landen Road around 9pm.

It is understood two men in the car were approaching a garda checkpoint but were seen turning the vehicle around and driving the opposite direction. They were then chased by officers in a garda car.

The driver allegedly turned a corner at speed and lost control, crashing into a foreign student who was walking on a path.

Two men were arrested by gardaí in the aftermath. It is understood that one of them is well-known to officers.

Gsoc confirmed this afternoon that it is investigating the incident.

A spokesman said:”Gsoc received a referral under Section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 from the Garda Síochána following an incident in the Ballyfermot area yesterday evening.

“A female pedestrian was struck and injured by a vehicle that was seen to turn away from a garda checkpoint shortly before the collision.

“The referral was made under Section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which provides for independent investigation of any matter that appears to indicate that the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person.

“GSOC deployed a team of investigators to the scene and an examination of the incident continues.”

Pictures from the scene  last night showed a number of units of the Dublin Fire Brigade and forensic examiners attending.

The scene was sealed off after the crash, and the woman was taken to St James’s Hospital where she is being treated for her injuries.

With reporting