Gardaí upgrade suspected Carlow hit-and-run probe to murder investigation

The car involved in the incident was found burnt out at the location, and the occupants of the car failed to remain at the scene.

Tom Connors, who died following the incident on Wednesday, April 24. Picture: Garda Info

Gardaí examining the death of a motorcyclist in a suspected hit-and-run incident in Carlow last month have upgraded their probe to a murder investigation. 

The motorcyclist, named locally as 35-year-old Tom Connors from Wexford, died in an incident involving a car which happened at Sandbrook in Ballon Co Carlow at approximately 10:30pm on Wednesday, April 24. 

The car involved was found burnt out at the location, and its occupants failed to remain at the scene.

Gardaí say that, following extensive investigations, including technical examinations and an autopsy on Mr Connors, a murder investigation has has now been launched.

The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer from the Incident Room at Carlow Garda Station.

A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed and is providing support to Mr Connors' family, and keeping them updated on the investigation. 

In an update on Friday evening, gardaí appealed for assistance in tracing the movements of a dark grey Volkswagen Passat CC which has Northern Irish registration plates and the partial registration OHZ.

They say this car travelled across the M1 toll bridge at approximately 8pm on Tuesday, April 23 before travelling to the Ballon area of Carlow the following evening. 

Gardaí are keen to speak to anyone in the environs of Ballykealy, Ballon, Rathoe and Sandbrook who may have observed this car on either Tuesday, April 23 or Wednesday, April 24.

Any road users with camera footage and who were travelling in these areas has been asked to make it available. Any homeowners in these areas with CCTV facing the road have been asked to do likewise.

They also with to speak with anyone who remembers witnessing a black Honda CBR motorcycle - with the partial registration 03 WW - travelling in the Sandbrook area on the evening of Wednesday, April 24.  

Anyone with information on this incident has been urged to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059 913 6620, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.