SINN FEIN leaders expressed shock yesterday after a shooting incident in Ireland left two people dead, including a policeman.

Garda officer Tony Golden was killed on Sunday while attending a report of a domestic disturbance in Omeath, County Louth.

Adrian Crevan Mackin, an alleged dissident republican awaiting trial, also shot and seriously injured his girlfriend before taking his own life.

The Garda Representative Association said it was shocked and saddened.

Association president Dermot O’Brien said: “This dreadful, dreadful news is the deepest fear of every police family. This puts everything we do into perspective.”

Sinn Fein MLA Caitriona Ruane said Mr Golden was “extremely well known and well liked in the area.

“He was part of a team of gardai who worked with me when threats were made against my life and he visited my home a number of times.

“My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”