Man thrown into the air after being hit by garda car
By David Raleigh
A man has been knocked down by a garda car in Limerick City.
The man was walking across Upper Mallow Street when he was struck by the unmarked garda car.
It is believed he was thrown into the air on impact, after firstly smashing into the front windscreen of the vehicle.
It is also understood a plainclothes garda was driving the car at the time but was not injured.
The incident occurred at around 11.45am.
The street, which was closed by gardaí for a technical and forensic examination of the scene, reopened at 1.10pm. The office of the Garda Ombudsman is investigating the matter as are gardaí at Henry Street.
The injured man was rushed by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick. His injuries are believed to be serious but not life threatening.
An eye witness said a garda who came on the scene demanded he hand over his mobile phone after taking a photograph of the aftermath.
The front windscreen of the unmarked 07 D registered silver Ford Mondeo car was badly damaged in the collision.
The car has been removed to be examined as part of the investigation into what happened.
Anyone with information can contact the Garda Ombudsman on 1890-600-800 or Henry Street Garda Station on 061-212400.
