Search underway for escaped prisoner

A manhunt is underway for a prisoner who escaped from a low-security jail in Co Cavan last night.

Martin McDermott (aged 26) from Raphoe in Co Donegal was serving a seven-year sentence for the manslaughter of Leitrim garda Gary McLoughlin.

Officials at Loughan House prison first noticed the inmate was missing when they carried out a routine head count at around 5pm yesterday evening.

He was just eight months into his sentence for the manslaughter of Gda McLoughlin, who died after his patrol car was rammed.

Mr McDermott, who has 91 previous convictions, may have simply walked out of the jail and could have fled north of the border.

Gardaí and the PSNI have mounted search operations and a European Arrest warrant will be issued.

An investigation will also be carried out into how the escape happened in the first place.