Motive yet to be established as retired Garda shot dead in Cavan

An investigation is underway after a former Garda was shot dead in Co Cavan.

The body of the man - aged in his mid 40s - was discovered at a house in a village close to Bailieborough this afternoon.

Gardaí were first altered to this incident - shortly after midday today - when they were called to the dead man's house - on the outskirts of the village of Canningstown near Bailieborough in Co Cavan.

The detached house - which has been sealed off - is located down a side road - surrounded by a number of other homes.

The former member of the Gardaí - is understood have suffered gunshot wounds to his chest and head.

Superintendent Gerry O'Brien is from Bailieborough Garda Station:

"We are forming a number of lines of inquiry but we haven't established a motive as yet, he was a family man although he was living alone at the moment"

"He was a former Garda and now retired"

A team from the Garda Technical Bureau is currently carrying out a forensic examination at the scene - which has been visited by the Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis.