GARDA COMMISSIONER Fachtna Murphy has condemned an early morning arson attack on a mobile speed camera van in Co Louth.

Officers in Dundalk are investigating the 4:45am attack on one of the force’s new GoSafe vans, which was in operation on the main Carrickmacross road outside Dundalk when the staff member on board smelt smoke, and fled the van before it burst into flames.

It is believed that a flaming projectile was thrown through the van’s windscreen, while the GoSafe staff member was in the back behind the camera.

Murphy said he condemned, “in the strongest possible terms”, the attack, calling it an “outrageous and reckless act which would have had grave and tragic consequences.

“GoSafe van personnel are out on our roads day and night working with An Garda Síochána to reduce speed-related collisions and stop the needless loss of lives on our roads,” the Garda chief said.

“It is important work directed at ensuring that fewer families and communities here have to endure the pain and suffering which follows collisions and deaths on our roads.”

Gardaí are seeking information on the whereabouts of a silver car with two occupants, which has been linked to the incident. Witnesses to the incident are asked to contact the Dundalk station at (042) 9388400.