It's believed the chief suspect in the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe has fled to the US.

It's understood the man who is in his 20s, and from South Armagh, is now living there illegally.

The 41-year-old Detective was killed during a botched robbery, involving a 5-person gang, at the Lordship Credit Union near Dundalk in Co. Louth in January.

It's understood Gardai believe the suspect is one of five gang members, aged beyween 18 and 20, who took part in the robbery.

Crime Correspondent with the Irish Daily Star Michael O'Toole says Gardaí believe the suspect flew to Britain first and then travelled to America from there: 

Investgations into the murder remain focused on the cross-border gang, while information is being sought about the stolen 08-D blue Volkswagen Passatt.

The car was stolen from the Clogherhead area of Co. Louth three days before the murder.