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A detective was in hospital on Wednesday night after being pistol-whipped and left unconscious in a callous attack.

Det Garda Mick Fitzgerald was held at gunpoint and marched through a park before being hit with the gun.

A manhunt was under way on Wednesday night to catch the ruthless thug behind the assault which was slammed by colleagues who said the officer is lucky to be alive and will require futher tests.

Senior sources explained Det Gda Fitzgerald was coming towards the end of his shift at Sundrive Road station in South Dublin at 7pm on Tuesday when he went to fill his unmarked car with petrol.

He left his gun at the station and took the vehicle to the KCR station in nearby Kimmage.

On his way back he saw two men exchanging a package in Ravensdale Park so approached the pair and produced his Garda identification.

(Image: Collins Photo Agency)

One man fled and a second produced a handgun.

A senior source said: “The detective was ordered to hand over his weapon and radio but he told the gunman he had left it back at the station.

“The thug then ordered the Garda to walk ahead of him over a small footbridge.

“It was at this point, when he was walking in front of the gunman, that he was hit over the back of the head with the butt of the weapon.”

Det Gda Fitzgerald was out cold for 20 minutes before waking to find his Garda badge, notebook and the keys to the unmarked car had been stolen.

He managed to stagger back to the vehicle where he pressed the emergency button, notifying his colleagues he was in danger.

(Image: Collins Photo Agency)

At least 10 marked and unmarked cars arrived at the scene and he was taken to St James’s Hospital where he was treated for concussion.

He underwent a CT scan last night but medics are hopeful he didn’t suffer any long-term injuries.

A major investigation has been launched to find both men.

The victim has not yet been interviewed by his colleagues and is still not well enough to give a description of his assailant.

Garda Representative Association president John Parker said: “This member was very diligent.

“Even though he was heading back from his break he was still switched on and alert.

“It shows want on violence out there and the resistance put up to members.

“Once he became aware the garda wasn’t armed he physically assaulted him.

“He could just as easily have shot him dead.”