Investigation launched into tragic Garda death

Detectives were tonight investigating the death of one of their colleagues, who was found shot dead in a police headquarters.

Detectives were tonight investigating the death of one of their colleagues, who was found shot dead in a Garda headquarters.

Gardaí have ruled out anyone else being involved in the tragic incident.

The Detective Garda's remains were discovered early this morning by a colleague in Dublin's Metropolitan Headquarters, Harcourt Square, on the city's southside.

The 48-year-old was a member of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI).

It is understood he was a member of the force for more than 20 years and had a licence to hold a gun.

"We can confirm the death of a serving member of An Garda Síochana at Harcourt Square overnight in an incident involving a firearm," said Gardaí.

"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

"Whether it is accidental or suicide will be a matter for an inquest to determine.

"The incident is still being investigated and the area remains cordoned off."

Harcourt Square HQ houses the NBCI, which investigates serious crimes including murder, serious and organised crime, anti-racketeering, domestic violence, serious sexual assaults, and paedophilia.

Other sections located in the building include the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, Criminal Assets Bureau, Community Relations Section, Special Detective Unit, Command and Control Centre, and the Assistant Commissioners Office, Dublin Metropolitan Region.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA), which represents rank and file members in the force, declined to comment on the incident.