The Garda killed in Co. Roscommon overnight has been named as Detective Garda Colm Horkan.
He was shot a number of times in Castlerea shortly before midnight last night.
The 49-year-old has been on patrol when he went to deal with something on the main street.
The situation evolved into a physical altercation which ended with him being shot dead with his own gun.
The scene in Castlerea remains sealed off pending a forensic examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.
A man in his 40s has been arrested.
He's currently being held at Castlerea Garda Station.
I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the Garda who has died in the course of their duties.
Every day our Gardai put themselves on the frontline of crime prevention, on behalf of all of us. This requires regular acts of bravery and courage.— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) June 18, 2020
Sympathies and prayers with family, friends and @GardaTraffic colleagues of the Garda Officer killed last night. A shocking, senseless loss.
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) June 18, 2020
Tragic news from Castlerea this morning with the death of Garda in the line of duty. My heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends & all Gardai. Murder investigation under way. pic.twitter.com/tgAosMJZBa
— Charlie Flanagan (@CharlieFlanagan) June 18, 2020
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the Castlerea Town Centre area between 11pm last night and 12:30am this morning, particularly any road users who may have dash cam footage, to come forward.
Detective Horkan is survived by his father, sister and four brothers.
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors said his death has sent shock waves right throughout the force.
President of the Garda Representative Association Jim Mulligan said he was a greatly respected colleague.
