Latest: Garda remains in hospital after being struck by car; Two men arrested following drug seizures

A garda is reportedly recovering in hospital following an incident which saw her struck by a car in West Cork last night.

The garda, understood to be aged in her 30s, was involved in a drugs search in the Baltimore area when the incident occurred.

Following the incident, the garda was taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment for her injuries.

A garda spokesperson said: "At around 7.30pm on April 8, 2021 gardaí from the West Cork Division were on active patrol in the Skibbereen area when they witnessed a suspected drug transaction between a man in a car and a pedestrian. As gardaí attempted to speak to the driver of the car, the car drove off at and struck a member of An Garda Síochána. She was then taken to Cork University Hospital where she currently remains. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

"A search of a nearby property was carried out where Gardaí seized €5,500 of suspected cannabis herb and over €3,000 in cash. A man, aged in his 20s was arrested at the scene and is currently detained at Bandon Garda Station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.

"Further searches were conducted in the Skibbereen area by the West Cork Divisional Drugs Unit, Southern Region Dog unit and Gardaí from Bandon and Skibbereen. As part of the searches Gardaí seized €600 of suspected cannabis herb, €300 in cash and a car. A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested and is currently detained at Bandon Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

"All of the suspected drugs will now be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis."