GARDAI believe a delivery driver was killed in a targeted hit-and-run as part of a dispute involving members of the Roma community which had been “simmering” for weeks.
Mircea Rostas, aged in his 30s, was mowed down during an evening of chaos on Monday in Balbriggan in north Co Dublin, which then sparked retaliatory incidents as the feud exploded.
A source said there was mayhem in the area on Monday night[/caption]
Gardai believe the suspect was known to Rostas[/caption]
Victim Rostas was on foot when he was struck by a BMW on Railway Street in the town just after 9pm.
As bystanders rushed to his aid, family members came upon the scene and screamed in horror.
Grim footage of Rostas lying lifeless on the path emerged yesterday, with one man attempting to carry out CPR before ambulance personnel arrived but unfortunately could not save his life.
The car which had fled that scene was then struck by another vehicle being driven by associates of Rostas right outside Balbriggan Garda Station before a huge scuffle then broke out.
The chief suspect in the case knew Rostas well and gardai believe it is a dispute over an associate known to both of them.
The man, aged in his 40s, spoke to cops yesterday morning and was arrested by appointment.
The Irish Sun can reveal that he is suspected of carrying out an assault linked to the same dispute some weeks ago.
A source told the Irish Sun: “This is a local feud which has been ongoing for a period of time, with tensions building.
“Then it totally kicked off on Monday night. The hit and run incident was callous and clearly targeted.
“There were then other incidents which happened as a result. It was absolute mayhem for the gardai there.
TECHNICAL EXAM UNDERWAY
“Those involved, and the man who lost his life, are all very well known to each other.”
Last night sources said they could not rule out that the case will be upgraded to murder given the nature of the incident.
Rostas’ body remained at the scene, covered by a blue tent, as the Garda Technical Bureau carried out an examination yesterday morning.
His remains were then taken away by ambulance just before 11.30am ahead of a post mortem being carried out.
A second scene outside Balbriggan Garda Station was sealed off as damaged cars from the ramming incident were seized by gardai.
An incident room was established at Balbriggan Garda Station and a Senior Investigating Officer was appointed. A Garda Family Liaison Officer was also assigned and is providing support to the deceased’s family.
FAITH IN GARDAI
Local cllr 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 they will take the appropriate action.”
A garda spokesman said: “Gardaí 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 Gardaí.
“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.”
The driver of the car sped away before being struck by another vehicle[/caption]
