Man Arrested Following Fatal Hit-and-Run in North Dublin, Gardaí Confirm Targeted Attack

 A man in his 40s has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident in Balbriggan, North Dublin, that claimed the life of a man in his 30s on Monday night. Gardaí believe the incident was a targeted attack linked to an ongoing feud within the local Roma community.

The victim, identified as Mircea Rostas, was struck by a vehicle on Railway Street shortly after 9:00 p.m. on June 24. The car involved in the collision failed to remain at the scene. Mr. Rostas’s body was removed early Tuesday morning, and a post-mortem examination has since been completed by the Office of the State Pathologist. However, authorities are withholding the results for operational reasons.

In the wake of the tragedy, Gardaí arrested a man as part of their investigation. He is currently being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in North Dublin.

An incident room has been established at Balbriggan Garda Station, and a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to oversee the case. A Family Liaison Officer is also providing ongoing support to the victim’s relatives.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, Mr. Rostas was allegedly targeted amid rising tensions tied to a long-standing dispute within the Roma community. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes in the aftermath of the incident, with distressed individuals gathering at the site. One young man who was with the victim at the time was heard sobbing: “He’s not breathing” and “I had beef with them for ages,” in reference to the suspected attackers.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána stated:

“Gardaí in Balbriggan are continuing to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding a fatal road traffic incident that occurred on Railway Street, Balbriggan, shortly after 9:00 p.m. on Monday.”

Investigators are particularly focused on the movements of a black saloon car seen in the area at the time. This vehicle was later involved in a second collision on Drogheda Street, shortly after the fatal incident, and subsequently abandoned.

Gardaí are appealing to the public for any witnesses to come forward, particularly those who may have dashcam or mobile phone footage from the Railway Street or Drogheda Street areas between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on the night in question.

Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Balbriggan Garda Station at 01 666 4500, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

In a related appeal, Gardaí have requested the public refrain from sharing images or videos of the incident that are currently circulating on social media and messaging platforms.

“An Garda Síochána is aware that images and video footage related to this incident are circulating online. We urge anyone who receives this content not to share or repost it,” the spokesperson added.

The investigation remains ongoing.