A garda was seriously injured in a terrifying hit-and-run incident in Co Louth this afternoon.
The incident happened at around 1.45pm on Saturday on the M1/N1 near Junction 20 at Jonesborough.
The officer was conducting "routine mobile speed checks" on the route at the time of the collision.
One car stopped by gardai attempted to flee the scene, hitting an officer who had stepped out of his patrol car.
The garda, who is based in the Dundalk District, was brought by ambulance to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
It is understood that his injuries are serious, but not life threatening.
The motorway was shut for a short time, but has since reopened.
A garda spokesman said: "At approximately 1:45pm Dundalk Garda Roads Policing unit stopped a car on the northbound carriageway of the M1 near Junction 20 (Jonesborough) while conducting routine mobile speed checks along the route.
"The car initially stopped for Gardaí but proceed to flee the scene injuring a Garda who had alighted from the patrol car to speak with the driver.
"The driver and car have not yet been located and enquires are ongoing.
"Gardaí at Dundalk are appealing for witnesses to come forward and are also appealing to road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) from along the M1 route at the time of the incident to make it available to investigators.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station (042) 938 8400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
