AN armed garda was forced to open fire after a car driven by a suspected burglar reversed at speed towards another garda, it has emerged.

Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy and Justice Minister Dermot Ahern today led tributes to the young garda who died today after being injured in a head-on car crash.

Dozens of gardaí gathered at a bedside vigil today for their young colleague who was left fighting for life after being mown down by suspected car thieves.