A SEARCH IS underway for a man who escaped garda custody on Monday evening.

The man was being detained as part of ongoing criminal investigations at Kilkenny Garda Station. He had been arrested on Thursday last week.

It is understood that he was arrested as part of an investigation into a gang involved in the drugs trade.

The individual was last seen on Emmet Street in Kilkenny, shortly after 8pm.

Gardaí have carried out a number searches in the area, including at several homes and lands in the county. One man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting an unlawful escape from custody. 

He has since been released pending a file to the director of Public Prosecutions. 

Gardaí have thanked members of the public for their cooperation and assistance during the search efforts and said investigators are also liaising with other national and regional agencies to support efforts in locating and arresting the suspect.

They have not released the escaped man’s identity and do not believe he poses any immediate threat to the public. 

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.