Garda suspended as GSOC investigate fatal hit and run in Louth

Anyone with information has been urged contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. File Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin

A garda has been suspended pending an investigation after a car was involved in a fatal hit-and-run in Drogheda, Co Louth.

A male pedestrian in his 40s died after being struck by the vehicle in the early hours of Sunday.

Shortly after 2.30am on Sunday morning, gardaí and emergency services were alerted after the pedestrian was found unresponsive following a collision on the Rathmullen Road in Drogheda. 

The man was pronounced deceased at the scene a short time later. The vehicle involved failed to remain at the location.

Investigating gardaí recovered what they say is a "vehicle of interest", which will undergo technical and forensic examination.

The private car is registered to a serving Garda who was off-duty at the time. Investigators are working to determine if the garda, who is based in the northwest region, was driving the car at the time of the collision.

The Garda Ombudsman Commission has also opened up an investigation due to the involvement of a garda in the incident.

“Gsoc would like to speak to any witnesses who observed any incident, activity or interactions at this time and location. Gsoc would also welcome the provision of any CCTV, dashcam or mobile footage witnesses may have captured,” the commission said in a statement.

Gardaí in Drogheda have issued an appeal for witnesses. Any individuals with camera footage from the area around the time of the incident - including motorists with dash-cam - have been requested to make this available. 

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.