LATEST: Gardaí search 'several' homes and one arrested in hunt for escaped detainee

Gardaí have said they are continuing to investigate the escape of a male detainee from Kilkenny Garda Station on Monday evening, 22 September.

The individual was arrested on Thursday, 18 September and was being held at the station as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Following his escape on Monday evening, he was last seen on Emmet Street in Kilkenny shortly after 8pm.

Gardaí said that a number of searches have been carried out as part of the investigation into the escape, including at "several residential properties and lands in County Kilkenny."

They also confirmed that one man, aged in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting an unlawful escape from custody and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in the Eastern Region. The man has since been released pending a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

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Gardaí have thanked members of the local community for their continued cooperation and assistance during the search efforts.

In the latest update on the situation, An Garda Síochána said investigators are also liaising with other national and regional agencies to support efforts in locating and arresting the suspect.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the incident room at Kilkenny Garda Station on 056 777 5000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.