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Sunday World
4 hours ago
- Sunday World
Victim of Balbriggan hit-and-run described as a ‘good soul' and a ‘true brother'
Row over female believed to be central to feud A man who was deliberately targeted in a fatal hit-and-run in north Dublin has been described as a 'good soul' and a 'true brother'. Mircea Rostas, who was aged in his 30s, died after being struck by a BMW while standing on a footpath on Railway Street in Balbriggan on Monday night. Detectives suspect he was intentionally driven at, and the alleged driver of the car remains in garda custody as part of the investigation. Tributes have been paid to Mr Rostas, who was also known as Saban to his friends and family. One person wrote online: 'My brother, I have no words, I can't find the words. You were a true brother, a man of God, I will not forget you all my life. May God rest you and have you in peace'. Another said: 'I can't believe that you left so early and innocent, such a good soul and a great character, my brother. May God rest your soul'. Mircea Rostas Gardaí have also appealed for people not to share a graphic video showing the immediate aftermath of the collision. It shows Mr Rostas lying motionless on the grounds while on bystander attempts CPR, and his family reacting in agony after arriving on the scene. Gardaí believe the victim was intentionally driven over as he stood on a footpath. He was treated at the scene, but died a short time later. The driver of the BMW involved fled. A man in his 40s, who was known to the victim, has been arrested and is being held at a garda station in north Dublin. Officers are investigating if the hit-and-run is linked to a dispute in the area that has involved a number of other incidents in recent weeks. 'Early indications are that this man was standing on a footpath when the car drove at him and hit him, indicating that he was targeted deliberately,' a source said. 'Tempers were high in the area in the immediate aftermath, with a number of incidents reported, but these were quickly brought under control'. Gardaí are also seeking a motive, with one line of inquiry being that the man arrested and associates of Mr Rostas were involved in a personal dispute over a woman. Garda forensics officers at the scene of Monday night's fatal hit-and-run incident on Railway Street in Balbriggan. Photo: Collins Emergency services were alerted to reports of a road traffic collision and found Mr Rostas seriously injured on the ground. Gardaí also responded to two other public order incidents in the area a short time later, which sources said were 'reactionary'. Members of the Garda Public Order Unit were sent to the area and no serious injuries were reported. Gardaí are particularly interested in the movements of a black saloon car In one of the incidents, a vehicle was rammed on the road outside Balbriggan garda station. Forensic specialists carried out examinations of the vehicle yesterday morning. Gardaí also sealed off Railway Street in the town pending a forensic examination. A tent could be seen at one end of the street nearest the railway station, covering where the incident happened and where the man's body still lay until an examination by a pathologist. Mr Rostas's remains were later removed to the local mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Gardaí said they are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information to come forward. They are particularly interested in the movements of a black saloon car that was seen in the area at the time. It was abandoned following a collision with a second saloon car on Drogheda Street, Balbriggan, shortly after the fatal incident. Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the Railway Street and Drogheda Street areas of Balbriggan between 8.30pm and 9.30pm are asked to make it available to gardaí.
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Delivery driver killed in ‘targeted' Balbriggan hit-&-run pictured with tributes paid as chief suspect quizzed by cops
THE delivery driver killed in a targeted hit-and-run attack has been remembered by loved ones as a "great character" and "gentle soul". Mircea Rostas, aged in his 30s, was Advertisement 4 Mircea Rostas was killed in a hit-and-run in Balbriggan this week 4 Rostas was on foot when he was struck by a BMW on Railway Street on Monday Credit: Collins Dublin 4 A huge scuffle broke out after a car was rammed Credit: The chief suspect in the incident was arrested by appointment yesterday evening and remains in garda custody being quizzed. Victim Rostas was on foot when he was struck by a As bystanders rushed to his aid, family members came upon the scene and screamed in horror. Advertisement Read more in News Grim footage of Rostas lying lifeless on the path emerged, with one man attempting to carry out CPR before ambulance personnel arrived, but they could not save his life. As his relations and friends come to terms with his passing, they have paid tribute to the victim, who was also known by the name of Saban. His cousin said: "I'm speechless. Sleep in peace, gentle soul. You left too soon, leaving us all with a lot of pain." Another pal said: "I can't believe that you left so early and innocent, such a good soul and a great character, my brother. God rest your soul." Advertisement Most read in Irish News While another man known to him wrote: "My brother, I have no words, I can't find the words. "You were a true brother, a man of God. Gardai and RSA measures aimed at driving crash deaths on Irish roads "I will not forget you all my life, may God rest you and have you in peace." The car which struck the victim and fled that scene was struck by another vehicle being driven by associates of Rostas right outside Balbriggan Garda Station before a huge scuffle then broke out. Advertisement The chief suspect, in his 40s, knew Rostas well. 'TENSIONS BUILDING' A source told us: "This is a local feud which has been ongoing for a period of time, with tensions building. "Then it totally kicked off on Monday night. The hit-and-run incident was callous and clearly targeted. Advertisement "There were then other incidents which happened as a result. "It was absolute mayhem for the gardai there. "Those involved, and the man who died, are all known to each other." CASE UPGRADE POSSIBLE Gardai may upgrade the case to murder given the targeted nature of the incident. Advertisement A post-mortem was carried out by the Office of the State Pathologist at Dublin city mortuary yesterday. A preliminary report has been furnished to the investigation team. Gardai say an incident room has been established at Balbriggan Garda Station and a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed. A Garda Family Liaison Officer has been assigned and is providing support to the Rostas' relatives. Advertisement APPEAL A spokesman said: "Investigating Gardai are appealing to the public for any witnesses to the incident to come forward. "They are particularly interested in the movements of a black saloon car observed in the area at the time, which was later abandoned following a collision on Drogheda Street, Balbriggan with a second saloon car shortly after the fatal incident. "Gardai are appealing to any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the Railway Street and Drogheda Street areas of Balbriggan between 8:30pm and 9:30pm to make it available to investigators. "Anyone with information is urged to contact Balbriggan Garda Station on 01 666 4500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Advertisement "An Garda Síochana is aware that images and video footage related to this incident are circulating on social media and messaging platforms. We are appealing to anyone who receives this content to refrain from sharing or reposting it further. "Investigations are ongoing." 4 Gardai are appealing for info after the night of mayhem Credit: Collins Dublin
Dublin Live
6 hours ago
- Dublin Live
Man killed in 'targeted' Balbriggan hit and run named locally
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The man killed in a 'targeted' hit-and-run in a north Dublin town has been named locally as Mircea Rostas as the town comes to terms with the shocking killing. Mr Rostas, who was in his 30s, was hit by a car on Railway Street in Balbriggan on Monday night. That car failed to remain at the scene. His body was removed from the scene on Tuesday morning. A post-mortem examination has been completed by the State pathologist, the results of which are not being released for operational reasons. It's understood Mr Rostas was targeted as part of an ongoing feud between members of the Roma community, which had been simmering for several weeks until Monday night when he was killed. On Monday night, local people gathered around the man's body shortly after the horror incident, which happened at around 9pm, with one distraught youth, who was with Mr Rostas, sobbing: "He's not breathing" and "I had beef with them for ages" in relation to the suspects. The chief suspect, a man in his 40s, has been identified by Gardaí and it is understood he knew his victim well. As of Tuesday afternoon, the suspect had yet to be arrested. Two crime scenes were declared in the town - one on Railway Street where Mr Rostas lost his life and a second scene on Drogheda Street, outside Balbriggan Garda Station, where a car was rammed. (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin) On Tuesday morning, three cars remained on the road, which was cordoned off until a technical examination was carried out. Shortly before lunchtime on Tuesday, the vehicles were removed from the scene and the road was reopened. Earlier, local councillor Tony Murphy told the Irish Mirror it was "horrendous" news for the family of Mr Rostas. "It's absolutely devastating for Balbriggan," said Cllr Murphy. "And equally, I must say, it must be horrendous for the family [of Mr Rostas] to wake up to this news this morning. "And I know speculation is out there as to what happened, but I have 100 per cent confidence in the Gardaí, and they will get to the bottom of this, and they will take the appropriate action. "And I'd like to say to the people, Balbriggan is generally a safe town and not to be too concerned. "And we have a good vigilant Garda force in the town, so there wouldn't be too much to be to be concerned about, although this is going to rock Balbriggan, that's for sure." Shocked locals who gathered on Drogheda Street on Tuesday morning said they are "absolutely shocked" over what happened. (Image: Colin Keegan) "It's absolutely shocking," one local told the Irish Mirror. "I only heard about it all this morning when I saw news online. It's terrible." "We heard all the sirens on Monday night but didn't know what was happening," another local said. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area at the time are asked to make it available to Gardaí. Anyone with information is asked to contact Balbriggan Garda Station on 01 666 4500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Slain delivery driver ‘clearly targeted' in Balbriggan hit-&-run named after local feud ‘kicks off' in night of chaos
GARDAI believe a delivery driver was killed in a targeted hit-and-run as part of a dispute involving members of the Roma community which had been 'simmering' for weeks. Mircea Rostas, aged in his 30s, was mowed down during an evening of chaos on Monday in Balbriggan in north Co 3 A source said there was mayhem in the area on Monday night Credit: 3 Gardai believe the suspect was known to Rostas Credit: Collins Dublin Victim Rostas was on foot when he was struck by a BMW on Railway Street in the town just after 9pm. As bystanders rushed to his aid, Grim footage of Rostas lying lifeless on the path emerged yesterday, with one man attempting to carry out CPR before The car which had fled that scene was then struck by another Read more in Irish News The chief suspect in the case knew Rostas well and The man, aged in his 40s, spoke to cops yesterday morning and was arrested by appointment. The Irish Sun can reveal that he is suspected of carrying out an assault linked to the same dispute some weeks ago. A source told the Irish Sun: 'This is a local feud which has been ongoing for a period of time, with tensions building. Most read in Irish News 'Then it totally kicked off on Monday night. The hit and run incident was callous and clearly targeted. 'There were then other incidents which happened as a result. It was absolute mayhem for the gardai there. TECHNICAL EXAM UNDERWAY 'Those involved, and the man who lost his life, are all very well known to each other.' Last night sources said they could not rule out that the case will be upgraded to murder given the nature of the incident. Rostas' body remained at the scene, covered by a blue tent, as the Garda Technical Bureau carried out an examination yesterday morning. His remains were then taken away by ambulance just before 11.30am ahead of a post mortem being carried out. A second scene outside Balbriggan Garda Station was sealed off as damaged cars from the ramming incident were seized by gardai. An incident room was established at Balbriggan Garda Station and a Senior Investigating Officer was appointed. A Garda Family Liaison Officer was also assigned and is providing support to the deceased's family. FAITH IN GARDAI Local cllr Tony Murphy told the Irish Sun: 'It's absolutely devastating to have a situation where somebody has been knocked down and that the 'And what I would offer my condolences to the deceased family and friends in the first instance is one thing for the town to wake up to news like this. 'But it's another thing for a family to wake up to the devastating news that they've lost one of their family members. 'I trust 100 per cent of the Gardaí in Balbriggan that they will unravel whatever has happened in this situation and they will take the appropriate action.' A garda spokesman said: 'Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. 'Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area at the time are asked to make it available to Gardaí. 'Anyone with information is asked to contact Balbriggan Garda Station on 01 666 4500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.' 3 The driver of the car sped away before being struck by another vehicle Credit: Collins Dublin
Irish Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Gardai on high alert over fears of retaliation attacks after fatal hit and run
Gardaí are on high alert amid fears of retaliation attacks following a targeted hit and run which claimed the life of a man in his 30s. Sources say the victim, named locally as Mircea Rostas, was targeted in a feud-related incident in Balbriggan, north county Dublin, among members of the Roma community which has been simmering for several weeks. On Monday night, that feud exploded with the loss of Mr Rostas' life, when he was mowed down by a vehicle in a 'targeted' hit-and-run incident on Railway Street at around 9pm. That vehicle failed to remain at the scene. Shortly afterwards, in a second incident involving three cars, a black BMW 3 series was rammed outside Balbriggan Garda Station on Drogheda Street. On Monday night, as local people gathered around the man's body shortly after the horror incident, which happened at around 9pm, one distraught youth, who was with Mr Rostas, sobbed: 'He's not breathing' and 'I had beef with them for ages' in relation to the alleged suspects. The chief suspect, a man in his 40s, has been identified by Gardaí and it is understood he knew his victim well. In a statement on Tuesday evening, Gardaí confirmed that a man in his 40s had been arrested in connection with the incident. The man is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in North Dublin. The Garda Public Order unit was deployed as tensions mounted in the seaside town shortly after both incidents. Two crime scenes were declared and remained sealed off in the town until Tuesday afternoon. Mr Rostas' body remained at the cordoned-off scene under a blue tent on Railway Street until it was removed by ambulance just before midday on Tuesday. A post-mortem examination has been completed by the State pathologist, the results of which are not being released for operational reasons. At the second crime scene, outside Balbriggan Garda Station, three cars were removed and technical examinations of the scene took place before the cordon was removed on Tuesday afternoon and the road reopened for traffic. Sources now say there are fears of retaliation attacks. 'Gardaí are on high alert in the town now over fears of retaliation attacks,' a source told the Irish Mirror. Local councillor Tony Murphy told the Irish Mirror it was "horrendous" news for the family of Mr Rostas. "It's absolutely devastating for Balbriggan," said Cllr Murphy. "And equally, I must say, it must be horrendous for the family to wake up to this news on Tuesday morning. "And I know speculation is out there as to what happened, but I have 100 per cent confidence in the Gardaí, and they will get to the bottom of this, and they will take the appropriate action. "And I'd like to say to the people, Balbriggan is generally a safe town and not to be too concerned. "We have a good vigilant Garda force in the town, so there wouldn't be too much to be to be concerned about, although this is going to rock Balbriggan, that's for sure." Horrified locals who gathered on Drogheda Street on Tuesday morning said they were "absolutely shocked" over what happened. 'It's absolutely shocking,' one local told the Irish Mirror. 'I only heard about it all this morning when I saw news online. It's terrible.' 'We heard all the sirens on Monday night but didn't know what was happening,' another local said. 'It's scary, it really is. And really sad that his body remained at the scene overnight. God love his poor family. He is someone's child,' another local said. Investigating Gardaí are appealing to the public for any witnesses to the incident to come forward. They are particularly interested in the movements of a black saloon car observed in the area at the time, which was later abandoned following a collision on Drogheda Street, Balbriggan, with a second saloon car shortly after the fatal incident. Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area at the time are asked to make it available to Gardaí. Anyone with information is asked to contact Balbriggan Garda Station on 01 666 4500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
