A Garda Detective has lost his life after being shot in Co Roscommon overnight.
Detective Garda Colm Horkan died while on duty on main street Castlerea.
It is believed that his own official firearm was taken from him during an incident near Castlerea Garda Station and a number of shots were fired at him.
Detective Garda Horkan, aged in his 40s, was an experienced detective from County Mayo who served in An Garda Siochana for 25 years.
A man in his 40s has been arrested in connection with the shooting and taken to Castlerea Garda Station.
In a statement, Gardaí said: “It is with deepest sadness An Garda Síochána 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.”
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed his sympathies following the tragic news.
Mr Varadkar said: “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 gardaí put themselves on the frontline of crime prevention, on behalf of all of us.
“This requires regular acts of bravery and courage. Sometimes the outcome is tragic and a garda makes the ultimate sacrifice in the course of their duties.
“Our thoughts today are with all those grieving as a result of this tragic incident.”
