An unarmed garda was held at gunpoint and severely beaten before being dumped on a roadside doused in petrol overnight.
The Irish Mirror understands the uniformed cop, who was on duty, approached a car acting suspiciously at 2am in the Loughan, Blacklion, Co Cavan area.
At this stage, gardai believe the garda had a gun pulled on him.
Gardai are investigating "all the circumstances" after the assault.
When the garda contacted colleagues seeking assistance, he was disorientated and unable to explain the exact circumstances of the incident taking place.
GPS tracking allowed gardai to locate the garda and they rushed to the scene along with the Armed Support Unit.
The members found their colleague in a "disorientated state" and his official marked patrol vehicle was present at the scene.
Gardai said in a statement "there was a strong smell of an accelerant in the air, his Garda uniform was saturated with an accelerant and he had signs of physical injuries".
He was taken to Sligo University Hospital where he continues to be assessed and receive treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
Gardai sealed off the scene and the Garda Technical Bureau will carry out an examination on Monday morning.
An incident room has been established under at Cavan Garda Station.
Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern from Cavan Monaghan Garda Division said: "This is a very serious and concerning attack on an unarmed member of An Garda Síochána going about their normal duties keeping people safe.
"Thankfully the incident has not resulted in a fatality or other serious injury.
"The exact motive for this attack is yet to be determined but it is extremely concerning that a member of An Garda Síochána appears to have been targeted and doused in some form of accelerant, the exact intent of this attack is unknown at this time.
"I am appealing for any person with any information on this attack to contact investigating Gardaí.”
James Morrisroe, the GRA Representative for the Cavan/Monaghan Division: “The GRA have been informed of a serious assault on one of our members in the Cavan region near Blacklion in the early hours of this morning.
“Our thoughts and concerns at this time are with the injured member and we send the best wishes of all our colleagues for a speedy recovery.
“Unfortunately this horrific and vicious assault once again highlights the dangers faced by our membership while on duty on a daily basis.
“In recent years we have seen increases in the number of assaults and the viciousness of such attacks. The circumstances of this incident are disturbing and highlight the need to protect the Gardaí that society relies on to keep them safe.
"We now need urgent legislation that acts both as a deterrent and adequate punishment for such attacks and the GRA believe mandatory custodial sentences are required.
“Gardaí working alone, particularly in isolated locations need to be assured that their safety is a priority for our employer and this has to be demonstrated by having the appropriate numbers of members on duty who have adequate transport, driver training and technology such as body cams.
"Currently there are deficiencies that are leaving members at risk in an environment of increasing assaults on our members.”
Gardai are appealing for anyone in the area between 7pm on Sunday and 3am on Monday.
A spokesperson said: "An Garda Síochána would like to speak to any person driving on the N16, Cavan, passing Loughan House Prison, or the R206 and R207 at their junction with the N16, between 7pm Sunday 27th February 2022 and 3am Monday 28th February 2022, and in particular any person with video footage (dashcam or other format) to contact investigating Gardaí.
"An Garda Síochána are appealing for any person with any information on this incident to contact Cavan Garda Station at 049 4368800, the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station."
