GARDAI have identified a chief suspect in a targeted hit-and-run which claimed the life of a man in his 20s last night.
Detectives believe the incident is linked to an ongoing dispute which has been “simmering” in recent weeks in Balbriggan, north Co Dublin.
The victim in his 20s was mowed down shortly after 9pm on Monday on Railway Street in the town.
Bystanders raised the alarm and emergency services attended the scene, but the man was pronounced dead.
Gardai are also investigating two subsequent incidents, a car ramming outside the local garda station and a scuffle, linked to the same dispute.
Senior sources confirmed that gardai have identified a chief suspect in the case.
The man, in his 40s, knew the victim well but he has yet to be arrested.
A source told the Irish Sun: “This is all part of a dispute among people all known to each other.
“It’s been building up for some weeks and this has now greatly escalated it, with a man’s life lost.”
This morning, the body remained at the scene as the Garda Technical Bureau carried out their examination .
The victim’s remains were removed just before 11am ahead of a post mortem taking place.
A second scene outside Balbriggan Garda Station remains sealed off, also with two damaged cars at the scene.
Local Councillor Tony Murphy told the Irish Sun: “It’s absolutely devastating to have a situation where somebody has been knocked down and that the driver didn’t remain at the scene.
“And what I would offer my condolences to the deceased family and friends in the first instance is one thing for the town to wake up to news like this.
“But it’s another thing for a family to wake up to the devastating news that they’ve lost one of their family members.
“I trust 100 per cent of the Gardaí in Balbriggan that they will unravel whatever has happened in this situation and that they will take the appropriate action.”
GARDA APPEAL
A spokesman said: “Gardai and emergency services were alerted shortly after 9pm on Monday, 23 June 2025, following a serious road traffic collision on Railway Street, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, in which a pedestrian was struck by a car.
“The vehicle involved failed to remain at the scene. The pedestrian, a man in his 20s, received emergency treatment but was pronounced deceased at the scene a short time later.
“The scene remains preserved pending examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Local traffic diversions are currently in place.
“Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
“Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area at the time are asked to make it available to Gardai.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Balbriggan Garda Station on 01 666 4500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”
