Investigation continuing into fatal assault in Ballina
The entrance to the apartment on Tone Street where the incident occurred. Pic: John O'Grady
Gardaí are continuing to investigate a fatal assault that occurred in Ballina last night.
A man in his late 50s was found inside an apartment on Tone Street shortly after 11.45pm last night with serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is understood the man was living in the town but is originally from the east of Mayo.
Local councillor Annie May Reape said the town was in a state of shock and expressed sympathy to the deceased.
“Ballina awoke to this tragic news this morning and it immediately cast a shadow across our community. The town is in shock,” she said.
“We don’t see things like this very often and it is sad to see it happening in a quiet little town like Ballina.”
Two individuals, both males in their late 20s and early 30s, were arrested in connection with the incident and taken to a Garda station in the North Western Region. They are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
The local Coroner has been notified and the services of the Garda Technical Bureau and State Pathologist have been requested. A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Ballina Garda Station. A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has also been appointed to support the deceased’s family.
The scene was preserved for a forensic and technical examination and a post-mortem examination has been arranged.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone with camera footage, including dashcam recordings from road users in the Tone Street area and nearby locations around the time of the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station at 096 20550, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
