The Taoiseach has described the fatal shooting of a Garda detective as "cold blooded violence".

Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was attending a robbery with a colleague at a credit union in Dundalk, County Louth, when he was killed.

Several shots were fired during the attack at the Lordship Credit Union, on the Cooley Road in the town at around 9.30pm.

Mr Kenny said the incident has left a family without a husband and father and the Garda Siochana without a brave and valued member.

The President said he was shocked to hear of the tragedy

President Michael D Higgins was also among those condemning the shooting and extended his deepest sympathies to his family and colleagues.

The Garda Representative Association have described their sadness and shock at the shooting dead of a colleague and have said they will be doing everything possible to support the late gardas' relatives.

Detective Adrian Donohue is the first Garda to be shot in the course of duty in 17 years.

In 1996 Detective Garda Gerry McCabe was killed in Adare, County Limerick on 7 June, during the attempted robbery of a post office van.

Speaking this morning Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has pledged his full support to Gardai in conducting their investigations:

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