The “beloved” Mayo man was gunned down on a quiet Roscommon street shortly before midnight on Wednesday – the third garda to be shot dead in the last seven years.

Investigators are seeking footage and witnesses in a bid to determine the circumstances behind the brutal killing of Detective Garda Colm Horkan.

Detective Garda Colm Horkan’s death in Co Roscommon has brought back memories of the deaths of two other gardai in the county.

Slain Detective Garda Colm Horkan was a “gentleman” who died “protecting his community” when he was shot dead just before midnight on Wednesday, the Garda Representative Association says.