Garda Detective Colm Horkan shot dead - First Minister Arlene Foster pays tribute to officer killed in line of duty

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information following the fatal shooting in Castlerea.

The First Minister of Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster, sent her condelences to the family of the fallen officer.

"As someone who is from a policing family and as First Minister of Northern Ireland, I send my deepest sympathy to the family and colleagues of the police officer who was killed last night in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon," said First Minister, Foster.

Justice Minister Naomi Long has expressed her shock following Detective Horkan's death.

“Last night Detective Garda Colm Horkan lost his life while he was on duty, serving and protecting his local community in county Roscommon.

“I want to express my sincere sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues as they come to terms with this awful news.”

Detective Horkan's body has been removed from the scene to Castlebar General Hospital where a post mortem is due to take place later today by the State Pathologist.

The scene at the junction of Patrick Street and Main Street Castlerea remains sealed off pending a forensic examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.

A man, aged in his 40s, was arrested at the scene and remains detained at Castlerea Garda Station under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939.

As this incident involves an official Garda firearm the incident has been referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission under Section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act.

An Garda Síochána continue to investigate this incident.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who was in the Castlerea Town Centre area between 11pm on 17/06/2020 and 12:30am on 18/06/2020, particularly any road users who may have dash cam footage, to contact the incident room in Castlerea Garda Station on 094 962 1635.