Body found in search for missing Garda

Search and rescue teams involved in the search for a garda swept away by floodwaters in the Wicklow Mountains last night have found a body, gardaí have confirmed.

The body, which was found at Ballyward Bridge approximately 5km from the initial incident, has not yet been officially identified.

The body was taken from the river and removed to Naas General Hospital where formal identification and a post mortem will take place later today.

"Investigating gardaí would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Glen Of Imaal Mountain Rescue, Defence Forces at the Glen Of Imaal and members of the public from Manor Kilbride and Blessington," a statement said.

The Irish Coast Guard, the Garda helicopter and mountain and river rescue teams had this morning joined Garda colleagues in the search for the garda who was swept away at Ballysmuttan bridge, on the upper reaches of the River Liffey, at around 7pm last night.

The missing garda has been named as Ciaran Jones, 25, who was stationed at Stepaside, south Dublin.

The officer was attempting to keep people safe from dangerous floods at the bridge when he was swept away.

Superintendent Eamon Keogh, of Blessington Garda Station, said Garda Jones – a member of the force for about four years – was pulled into the river while trying to come to the aid of a motorist.

“He was seen for a few moments by friends and then he wasn’t seen again,” he said.

Garda Jones’s brother and sister were at the scene last night.

There had been fears the bridge was in danger of collapsing as people tried to cross.

The officer, who lived nearby at Manor Kilbride, was off duty at the time but stopped to help others.