Garda officer injured in hit-and-run in Co Westmeath

A Garda officer has been injured in a hit-and-run in Co Westmeath.

Gardai have appealed for information about the incident, which happened at about 10am on Thursday in the Heathfield area of Kinnegad.

Routine patrol officers had responded to an alert on their automatic number-plate recognition system.

As an officer went to speak to the driver of the car, the car was driven away and the officer was hit.

The officer was taken to the Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar to be treated for non life-threatening injuries. The officer has been discharged.

The car was found a short time later in Boreen Bradach, Kinnegad, a popular walking route.

Gardai have appealed for witnesses.

A spokesperson said: “Any road-users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area are asked to make this footage available to gardai.

“Gardai are particularly interested in the movements of this red Volkswagen Golf, partial registration number 04TS, travelling in the Kinnegad area earlier today.”