Gardaí in Carlow have issued a fresh appeal for information following the death of a young father last week in a suspected hit and run.
35-year-old Tom Connors died after being struck by a car while riding his motorcycle on a local road between Rathoe and Ballon at Sandbook shortly before 11pm last Wednesday evening, April 24.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the car involved was found burnt out at the location, with the occupants having fled.
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Sources confirmed that officers believe Mr Connors knew the driver of the car that struck him as he rode his motorbike on the quiet country road in Carlow.
A source said: "It was not an accident involving two strangers. We suspect the car and bike were travelling together and something happened and the vehicle driver panicked and fled or Mr Connors was lured there and hit on purpose."
Gardaí confirmed that all aspects of the incident are under an investigation being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) from the incident room at Carlow Garda Station.
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told the Irish Mirror in a statement: "Gardaí are renewing their appeal for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.
"They are particularly appealing to witnesses or individuals possessing video footage, including dashcam recordings, depicting a dark grey Volkswagen Passat CC or a black Honda CBR motorbike in the vicinity of Carlow town, Ballon, Rathoe, and Ballykealey on the 23rd and 24th of April 2024.
"Additionally, investigators are urging any taxi drivers or other motorists who may have picked up or noticed individuals walking in the Sandbrook area of Ballon, Carlow, after 10:30 pm and into the early hours of the morning on the 24th/25th of April 2024 to come forward with any information they may have.
"Anyone with information regarding this collision is urged to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059 913 6620, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station."
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