An attack on an unarmed uniformed officer of An Garda Síochána near the Fermanagh-Cavan Border is being investigated.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said the force is "currently investigating all the circumstances of an assault on an unarmed uniform member ... which took place in the early hours of February 28".

Detailing the incident, the spokesperson continued:" At approximately 2am on February  28, a member of An Garda Síochána on patrol in the Loughan, Blacklion, Co. Cavan area contacted colleagues seeking assistance.

"The member was disorientated and unable to explain the exact circumstances of events taking place.

"An Garda Síochána, through the North Western Region Headquarters Control Room, identified the member's location through the Garda AVPLS system. Uniform colleagues attended the scene, supported by Armed Support Units."

Gardai found their collegague in a "disorientated state", according to the spokesperson, who continued: "His official marked patrol vehicle was present at the scene. There was a strong smell of an accelerant in the air; his uniform was saturated with an accelerant, and he had signs of physical injuries.

"He was taken to Sligo University Hospital where he continues to be assessed and received treatment this morning [Monday, February 28] for non-life threatening injuries."

The scene of the incident has been sealed, the spokesperson said.

"An Garda Síochána have sealed off the scene and the Garda Technical Bureau will carry out an examination. An incident room has been established under a Senior Investigating Officer at Cavan Garda Station."

Also speaking this morning, Chief Superintendent McGovern, Cavan Monaghan Garda Division, said: "This is a very serious and concerning attack on an unarmed member of An Garda Síochána going about their normal duties, keeping people safe.

"Thankfully, the incident has not resulted in a fatality or other serious injury. 

"The exact motive for this attack is yet to be determined but it is extremely concerning that a member of An Garda Síochána appears to have been targeted and doused in some form of accelerant. The exact intent of this attack is unknown at this time."

An Garda Síochána would like to speak to any person driving on the N16, Cavan, passing Loughan House Prison, or the R206 and R207 at their junction with the N16, between 7pm on February 27, and 3am on February 28, and in particular any person with video footage (dashcam or other format) to contact investigating Gardaí.

An Garda Síochána are appealing for any person with any information on this incident to contact Cavan Garda Station at (00353) 049 4368800, the Garda Confidential Phone Number, 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.