A garda officer and another man were killed in the shooting near Carlingford while a woman was seriously injured in the same incident

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Forensic examinations will take place at a house in the Irish Republic on Monday where a police officer was shot dead.

The garda, a married father of three in his 30s, was gunned down as he responded to reports of a domestic disturbance. The killer also shot his partner, leaving her with serious gunshot wounds before taking his own life.

Gardai said the attack took place at about 6pm on Sunday in the Mullach Alainn estate in Omeath, Co Louth, after officers answered a 999 call.



The gunman, in his mid 20s, was on bail awaiting trial for dissident republican terrorism.







The Police Service of Northern Ireland has been called in to assist the Garda investigation and have sealed off a property across the border in Newry, Co Armagh.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, who represents the Louth constituency, said: “I am shocked at the news that [two] people, including a member of An Garda Síochána have died in a shooting incident in Omeath this evening. My thoughts and sympathies are with the families of those who have died.”

Niall Collins, justice spokesman for the main opposition party in Ireland, Fianna Fáil, said: “Obviously details of this incident are still emerging but I am extremely shocked to hear that a member of An Garda Síochána has been killed tonight.

Collins offered condolences to family, colleagues and Garda commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan.

O’Sullivan said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of my colleague in a fatal shooting incident this evening while carrying out their duties. At this time my thoughts and prayers and those of the entire Garda service are with his family, friends and colleagues.

“This incident highlights the unique nature of the job carried out by the men and women of An Garda Siochana, and the dangers they face every day.”

This is the second time in two years that a member of Ireland’s police force has been killed on duty in Co Louth.

In 2013, garda Adrian Donohoe was shot dead during an armed robbery of a rural Credit Union in North Louth. His killers fled across the border into Northern Ireland with some of them eventually fleeing to the United States.