Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has led the tributes following following the brutal murder of a member of an Garda Siochana last night.
The Garda, who is a detective, was killed following a shooting incident in Castlerea in Co Roscommon on Wednesday night.
According to the Irish Times, the Garda suffered fatal gunshot wounds near the Garda station.
The paper reports that he lost control of his own weapon and was shot with it.
The Garda Press Office issued a statement this morning confirming that he had sadly passed away from his injuries.
They also confirmed that a man had been arrested in connection with the incident.
They said: “It is with deepest sadness An Garda Síochána confirms the death of our colleague, resulting from fatal gunshot wounds received during an incident in Castlerea shortly before midnight on Wednesday 17th June 2020.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
“One man has been arrested in connection with this investigation and is currently detained in Castlerea Garda Station.”
The Garda, who has not yet been named, will become the 89th member of the force to die in the line of duty since 1922.
The most recent death before this was that of Garda Tony Golden, who was murdered in October 2015.
Laois Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan said: “Tragic news from Castlerea this morning with the death of Garda in the line of duty.
“My heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends and all Gardai. Murder investigation under way.”
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