Gardaí upgrade hit-and-run to murder inquiry
GARDAÍ have launched a murder investigation after the death of a motorcyclist in a hit-andrun last month.
Tom Connors, from Bunclody in Co. Wexford, died in an incident involving a car and his motorbike on the night of April 24 in the Sandbrook area of Ballon, Co. Carlow.
Mr Connors, who was in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The car involved was found burnt out at the location and the occupants of the car did not remain at the scene.
A murder investigation has now got under way under the direction of a senior investigating officer at Carlow Garda Station. A family liaison officer has been appointed and is keeping the family of the deceased updated on this investigation.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone who might be able to assist with the investigation to come forward.
In particular, gardaí are asking for assistance in tracing the movements of a dark grey Volkswagen Passat CC, with Northern Irish registration plates and the partial registration number OHZ.
A Garda spokesman said: ‘It’s known at this time that this car travelled across the M1 toll bridge at approximately 8pm on Tuesday April 23, and it is known that it then travelled to the Ballon area of Carlow on the evening of Wednesday, April 24.
‘Gardaí are appealing to any persons in the environs of Ballykealy, Ballon, Rathoe and Sandbrook who may have observed this car to come forward,’ the spokesman said.
Gardaí are also looking to trace the movements of a black Honda CBR motorcycle (partial registration 03 WW) in the Sandbrook area on the evening of Wednesday April 24.