A murder investigation is underway after a garda was shot dead in Co Roscommon.
He was shot at a number of times with his own weapon in Castlerea, just before midnight.
It’s understood this garda – who was attached to the detective unit - was on patrol last night when he went to deal with something on the main street in Castlerea in Roscommon.
As he was in the course of handling the situation – it developed into some sort of physical altercation - and he was shot and critically injured with his own weapon.
He was treated by emergency services and gardai confirmed just after 6am that he passed away.
A man in his 40s has been arrested and has been taken to Castlerea Garda Station for questioning.
It’s understood the garda was aged in his late 40s and from Mayo.
He is the 89th garda to die in the line of duty.
The Detective Garda shot dead last night joined the force in 1995 and was an experiened officer.
He is survived by his father, sister and three brothers.
The Taoiseach has led tributes to him, saying his thoughts are with all those grieving as a result of the shooting.
President Michael D Higgins says 'An Garda Síochána play a crucial role in our communities and this loss of life is traumatic for our society as a whole.'
Meanwhile the Justice Minister says he’s shocked and saddened at the shooting, saying the garda's heroism will never be forgotten.
Charlie Flanagan described him as a brave garda who died protecting the community.
