Updated 23:44

A GARDA has been shot dead in Louth this evening.

The Garda was fatally wounded outside the Lordship Credit Union at Bellurgan in Jenkinstown at around 9.30pm when a number of shots were fired during what is believed to have been an attempted robbery.

The Garda was a detective stationed in Dundalk Garda Station.

Gardaí are searching for a dark coloured car containing four people which left the scene travelling in the direction of Dundalk.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact the incident room at Dundalk Garda Station at 042 9388440 or the Garda Confidential Number on 1800 666 111.

- Additional reporting by Christine Bohan