Gardaí and number of children brought to hospital after serious incident in Cork

Gardaí arrested a man following a dangerous driving incident that saw five cars damaged and two Gardaí hospitalised.

A man driving a van, with a woman and six children inside, raised alarm bells in Fermoy around 9pm last night when members of the public reported a distressed woman in a vehicle in the area.

It is understood there were six young children, including an infant in the car.

Garda intervention

Gardai made several attempts to stop the vehicle as it made its way to Cork city and over to the southside of the city, to Mahon.

A Garda spokesperson said: “At approximately 9.45pm, Gardaí signalled for a van to stop in the Mahon area. The van failed to stop and proceeded to ram a Garda vehicle. A short time later, the van stopped but when Gardaí attempted to engage with the driver, the Garda vehicle was rammed again.

“Two additional Garda vehicles arrived at the scene and attempted to block the van but both vehicles were rammed. A number of additional Garda units responded and a managed containment operation ensued.” 

The Armed Support Unit from Anglesea Street Garda station came to assist the operation and this unit managed to stop the van using a stinger device on the N28 Cork to Carrigaline road on Carrs Hill at 10pm.

Two members of An Garda Siochana were sent to hospital for treatment following the incident along with the six children and woman who were in the van and were assessed by medical professionals following the incident.

“A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested and later taken Bridewell Garda Station where he is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.” 

Gardaí in Cork are now investigating the endangerment of Garda members and related incidents.

A number of persons, including the children, who were in the vehicle at the time were later taken to Cork University Hospital to be assessed, but no serious injuries have been reported. 

"An Garda Síochána continues to support and engage with all these persons at this time."

Two Garda members attended Cork University Hospital to receive medical treatment and there was extensive damage caused to two official Garda vehicles with three other vehicles receiving minor damage following the incident.

A Garda source said it was likely the two members of the force would be released this morning.

Support

A Garda spokesperson said all members involved in the incident are receiving support.

“All members involved are receiving support from their colleagues and local Garda Management and the wider organisational supports of the Peer Support Service, Chief Medical Officer and 24-hour counselling service have been provided if required.” 

Witness appeal

A witness appeal has also been issued.

“Anyone with any information in relation to this incident or video footage is asked to contact Anglesea Garda Station on (021) 452 2000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”