The Journal has learnt a complaint over Gardai's behaviour was made after an 18-year-old woman crashed her Renault Megane in to a pole in Figery, near Fahan in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Derry woman, who had to be cut out of her car by fire officers, was transferred to Letterkenny General Hospital where her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The Garda Siochana Ombudsman's communications department confirmed an investigation had been launched into the matter.

A spokesperson said: "I can confirm for you that a matter was referred to us under section 102 of the Act.

"That states that a matter is referred to us where it appears that the conduct of the Gardai may have resulted in the death or serious harm to a person.

"We have had a referral and we are in the early stages of investigating the circumstances."

He said a team had been dispatched to the scene, over the weekend, and a number of people have assisted in the investigation already.
Buncrana sergeant John Gallagher confirmed to the Journal Gardai were 'monitoring' the driver's car before the accident took place.
Sgt Gallagher told the Journal: "The manner of the driving was being monitored before the accident.

"There was just one vehicle involved in the crash.

"The lady was travelling from the direction of Buncrana to Derry and there were no other passengers in her car."

The Ombudsman's office said the investigation could take a couple of weeks, and that they have a time line of within 90 days to complete it.