AN OFF-DUTY garda has been arrested for suspected drink-driving after rear-ending a patrol car that had stopped at the side of the road to help another motorist.

The incident occurred on the N2 near Moyles, Co. Monaghan just before midnight on Saturday.

Two gardaí had stopped their patrol car to assist a man whose vehicle had apparently broken down.

As they exited their car their vehicle was hit from behind by another which then fled the scene.

The scene of the accident at Moyles, Co. Monaghan Source: Google

The fleeing motorist was arrested by gardaí from Monaghan town a short time later for alleged drink-driving. Upon arrest it transpired that the man was an off-duty garda based at a station close to the border with the north.

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He was later released from Monaghan garda station without charge, while a file will be prepared for the DPP regarding the incident.

TheJournal.ie contacted the Garda Ombudsman this morning with regard to the accident and were told that the arrested officer may face investigation by GSOC also.

“We can confirm that an incident is being considered with regard to section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act (which deals with garda conduct leading to serious harm being inflicted on another person),” a spokesman said.

GSOC attended the incident in question and we are examining the circumstances, although whether or not an investigation will happen is a matter for the Commission to decide.