Two gardaí have been injured, one seriously, during an investigation into a burglary at a compound in Ballycondra, Ballyragget in Co Kilkenny this morning.
The gardaí were manning a checkpoint near Ballyragget shortly after 3am when it was rammed.
One of the gardaí sustained head injuries when he was hit by a car when standing at the checkpoint. He was taken to St Luke's Hospital, Co Kilkenny, where he remains in a serious condition.
The other garda was sitting in his patrol car when it was rammed. He was also take to St Luke's suffering from neck injuries and has since been released.
One man was arrested and is currently being held at Kilkenny Garda Station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
Gardaí say they believe that up to seven men in total using two cars and two trailers were involved in the incident.
The two cars and trailers were abandoned near the scene of the crash before the occupants escaped to nearby fields where gardaí believe they are at present.
A Garda manhunt of the area is underway and the services of the Air Support and Dog Units have been requested.
Anyone who feels they may have seen these men or have seen anything suspicious are asked to contact gardaí at Kilkenny on 0567775000.