Two people, including one garda, have been killed in a shooting incident near the town of Omeath in Co Louth.
The incident occurred at around 6pm, when shots were fired after gardai were called to a domestic dispute in the vicinity of Mullach Alainn estate.
Gardaí have confirmed one woman who was also shot has been taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
The scene is currently preserved pending a Garda Technical Examination.
From Co Louth, Richard Chambers reports:
President Michael D. Higgins issued a statement this evening:
"I have contacted the Garda Commissioner to express my deepest sympathies on this terrible loss of a young member of the Force, while doing his duty on behalf of the State and all of society in Co. Louth earlier today.
This most serious and tragic incident has not only led to the death of a member of An Garda Siochána, while on duty, but tragically has also involved the death of one and the serious injury of another person.
"I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the Garda who has so tragically lost his life while responding to this incident. My thoughts at this time are also with all others who have been affected by the events in Omeath earlier this evening"
Speaking this evening Garda Commissioner Nóirín 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.
"Ar dheis láimh Dé go raibh a anam."
Garda Representative Association President Dermot O’Brien said: “This dreadful, dreadful news is the deepest fear of every police family. This puts everything we do into perspective.
“At this time of distress, the garda family will be doing everything possible to support the late garda’s relatives and loved ones, friends and colleagues.”
The killing of a Garda in the course of duty is a direct attack on the rule of law & is an abhorrence. pic.twitter.com/tUVvDMwyXV
— Charlie Flanagan (@CharlieFlanagan) October 11, 2015
Sinn Féin leader and Louth TD Gerry Adams expressed his shock and condolences: "My thoughts and sympathies are with the families of those who have died," he said.
The PSNI also offered its sympathy in a tweet: "Thoughts are with our Garda colleagues following the tragic events in Omeath this evening. PSNI will lend any assistance or support required."
The shooting occurred only a few kilometres from the site where garda Adrian Donohoe was fatally shot in January 2013.
