The hit-and-run in Co Carlow is now being treated as a murder investigation

AN INVESTIGATION into a fatal hit-and-run in Co Carlow last month has been upgraded to a murder investigation.

The collision between a car and a motorcycle occurred in Sandbrook, Balloon, at around 10.30pm on Wednesday April 24th.

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene while the car was found burnt at the scene and the occupants had fled.

According to RTÉ News, the motorcyclist, 35-year-old Tom Connors from Bunclody, County Wexford, had recently escaped from an open prison.

Gardaí have now appealed for information and would like to trace the movements of a car with Northern Irish license plates.

Murder investigation

“Following extensive inquiries by Gardaí, including technical examinations and a post-mortem examination of the deceased, a murder investigation has been launched led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) from the Operations Room at Carlow Garda Station,” a Gardaí statement said.

“A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed and is keeping the deceased’s family informed of this investigation and providing assistance.”

“Gardaí continue to appeal for anyone who can assist gardaí with this investigation to come forward.

“In particular, Gardaí are seeking public assistance in tracing the movements of a dark gray Volkswagen Passat CC (with Northern Irish registration and partial OHZ registration).”

Appeal

It is understood the car drove over the M1 toll bridge at around 8pm on Tuesday, April 23, before traveling into the Balloon area of ​​Carlow on the night of the collision.

Gardaí have appealed for those in the Ballykealy, Ballon, Rathoe and Sandbrook areas who may have seen the car on an evening to come forward.

They would also like to hear from anyone who saw a black Honda CBR motorcycle (part registration 03 WW) in the Sandbrook area on Wednesday evening.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station on 059 913 6620, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or any Garda station.