LAST UPDATE | 14 Nov 2022

A GARDA IS in a critical condition in hospital having been injured in a road collision in county Cork yesterday evening.

The officer, who is understood to be attached to a Roads Policing Unit, was assisting a motorist who had broken down on the N25 near Youghal in east Cork.

Sources have told The Journal that the garda was outside his vehicle when he was struck.

He suffered extensive injuries and was taken to hospital in Cork city where he has since undergone surgery.

A garda spokesperson said the officer’s unmarked patrol car was struck by another vehicle. It is understood that the garda was pinned between the patrol car and the broken down car.

A statement noted: “Shortly before 7pm [on Sunday] an unmarked Garda patrol car was assisting a broken down vehicle on the N25, at the Youghal bypass.

“The unmarked patrol car was struck by another vehicle.A Garda member has suffered serious injuries and has been removed from the scene to Cork University Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

“The driver of the other vehicle was also removed to Cork University Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.”

The Youghal bypass on the N25 has now reopened and Gardaí are continuing to investigate.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dashcam) and were travelling on the Youghal bypass N25 from 6.40pm to 7pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

In particular, Gardaí are keen to speak to any driver that may have observed the broken down vehicle and stationary Garda car.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Midleton Garda Station 021 462 1550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Updated by Órla Ryan and Jamie McCarron