Two shot dead in Ireland, including police officer

It’s understood the shooting occurred at around 6.30pm this evening in Omeath, County Louth.

The police officer who was killed leaves behind a wife and three children, according to the Deputy General Secretary Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, John Jacob.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland also said thoughts were with counterparts in the Irish Republic.

The gunman, believed to be in his 20s, opened fire shooting the Garda and a woman, who is seriously injured, in the town of Omeath at around 6pm on Sunday.

Count Louth representative and Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said he was shocked by the killing.

Commissioner O’Sullivan said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of my colleague in a fatal shooting incident this evening while carrying out their duties”.

And it is a reminder, if one were required, of the dangers gardaí face on a daily basis as they uphold our personal security and that of the State.

The shooting occurred in the same county where Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was shot dead in 2013, the first police officer to be fatally shot on duty since 1996.

‘My thoughts and sympathies are with the families of those who have died’.

Residents have been told to stay inside, the paper added, and that police will interview them.

Niall Collins, justice spokesman for the main opposition party in Ireland, Fianna Fail, said he was shocked and offered condolences to family and colleagues and the Commissioner.

Twitter user Ken Curtin wrote: ‘Today again we are tragically reminded our Gardai literally put their lives on the line for us, truly terrible news emerging from Omeath’.