Major update in hit-and-run killing of teenager as gardai swoop on Limerick houses & identify ‘number of suspects’

GARDAI investigating the killing of teenager Bryan Lowe have seized clothing and a number of electronic devices.

The items were seized when officers from Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick swooped on a number of homes in the Castleconnell area of the city.

They will now be examined by Garda forensic experts as part of the ongoing probe.

The teen, 17, lost his life in a hit and run incident after he was struck by Skoda Octavia – registration 05-C-5982 – when he was on an e-scooter at Cottage Cross, near Clonlara village, around 11pm last Friday.

The vehicle involved in the incident was later found burnt out and is still being examined by detectives.

Although Gardai confirmed today they are following a “definite line of inquiry”, they also outlined how “online speculation surrounding the live investigation” was “not helpful to its progress” and was “causing further distress to those impacted”.

As the investigation continues, Gardai are examining a number of different theories.

One is that those involved may have been trying to steal the teenager’s e-scooter.

But officers are also probing if the teen had been subjected to intimidation in text messages.

One source said: “It’s very early days in the investigation and a number of potential suspects have already been identified.

“The searches were undertaken for the purpose of gathering potential evidence.

“This is a tragic incident and is being treated as a hit and run.”

Gardai have also urged anyone with information on the collision to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “Gardai are continuing to appeal for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision that occurred in Cloonlara on the Clare Limerick border on Friday, 4 September.

“Gardai carried out a search operation at a number of residential locations in Co Limerick on Wednesday morning. A number of items of evidential value have been seized.

“No arrests have been made at this time. Investigations are ongoing.

“An Garda Siochana appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Henry Street Garda station on 061212400.”

The investigation is being run by detectives based at Henry Street and Mayorstone Garda stations.