Murder investigation after motorcyclist hit-and-run

Gardaí have opened a murder investigation into the hit-and-run death of a motorcyclist in County Carlow in April.

Tom Connors, from Bunclody in County Wexford, was killed in the crash involving a car and his motorbike on April 24 in Sandbrook in Ballon, County Carlow.

Gardaí have appealed for any sightings of a car that was later found burned out near the scene.

The dark grey Volkswagen Passat CC has a Northern Ireland numberplate beginning OHZ.

Mr Connors, who was in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

An Garda Síochána (Irish police) said extensive investigations including a post-mortem examination were conducted and a murder investigation has begun at the Carlow Garda Station.

A family liaison officer is keeping Mr Connors' family up to date and offering support.

Investigators have asked for the public's help to help trace the movements of the car with Northern Ireland plates and a Honda motorbike.

Gardaí said the car travelled across the M1 toll bridge about 20:00 local time on 23 April and on to the Ballon area of Carlow on 24 April.

They are appealing for anyone who was in Ballykealy, Ballon, Rathoe and Sandbrook and who saw the car in question to come forward.

They are also appealing to anyone with any dashcam footage or other images taken in these areas to make the material available to gardaí.