Irish police officer shot dead - one man arrested

An Irish police officer has died after being shot in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, on Wednesday night.
A Garda police officer has been shot deadA Garda police officer has been shot dead
A Garda police officer has been shot dead

Gardai in Castlerea, 125 kilometres north-west of Dublin, said in a statement the incident happened just before midnight, and a man is being detained in connection with the matter.

The Garda officer has been named by the force as Detective Garda Colm Horkan.

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“One man has been arrested in connection with this investigation and is currently detained in Castlerea Garda Station,” the statement said.

Police have closed Castlerea’s town centre to traffic as investigations continue in the town of less than 2,000.

“It is with deepest sadness An Garda Siochana 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,” the force said.

Garda said it would identify the officer once next of kin had been informed.

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Garda Commissioner Drew Harris paid tribute to the shot officer.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of my colleague, Detective Garda Colm Horkan,” he said.

“My thoughts, and the thoughts of all personnel in An Garda Siochana, are with the family, friends and colleagues of Detective Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea Garda Station and the detective unit he served in.

“Colm served the communities he worked in with distinction and pride during his 24 years as a member of An Garda Siochana.

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“Detective Garda Colm Horkan is the 89th member of An Garda Siochana killed in the line of duty.

“Today is a terrible reminder of the significant sacrifices, including the ultimate sacrifice, that Gardai make to keep people save.

I want to thank the local community in Castlerea and the country as a whole for the support they have shown to An Garda Siochana and individual Gardai, even in the short time since the incident.

“The fatal shooting of Detective Garda Colm Horkan remains under investigation. I want to appeal to anyone with information on this incident or witnessed this incident to contact Castlerea Garda Station at 094 962 1635.”