Gardaí seek witnesses to Arklow death

Gardaí today released a more detailed description of the raider who fatally stabbed a shopkeeper in Arklow last night, and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Gardaí have launched a murder investigation into the death of John Deasy (44), who was killed after he tackled a man who threatened a woman working in the shop.

Gardaí said the man entered the shop with the intention of robbing it. Mr Deasy, who owned the shop, heard a commotion and came downstairs. He received a stab wound in the ensuing tussle.

The raider escaped with a sum of cash, believed to be hundreds of euro. After the incident, the raider fled down St Peter's Place. CCTV footage is being gathered as part of the investigation.

There are no suspects in the case at this stage, Supt Pat Ward of Arklow Garda station said.

The man is described as being tall, possibly 6ft 4inches and of athletic build. He was wearing light clothing, possibly a windcheater, and his face was covered with a balaclava.

Gardaí said they did not know if he was local, from Ireland or a non-national and described his accent as non-descript.

Detectives said the weapon was most likely a knife but the wound could also have been made by another weapon such as a screwdriver.

A postmortem, which is currently being carried out, may reveal more about the murder weapon.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who was in the area between 6pm and 9pm to contact them at 0402 32304.