A man who was being held at a Garda station in Kilkenny in connection with ongoing criminal investigations has escaped.
The man, who was arrested on September 18, escaped from custody on Monday evening. He was last seen on Emmet St in Kilkenny, shortly after 8pm.
The escapee remains at large at this time, but gardaí said he does not pose an immediate threat to the public.
As part of the investigation, a number of searches have been carried out at several residential properties and lands across the county.
A man, aged in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting an unlawful escape from custody.
He was held at a Garda station in the east of the country under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
He has since been released pending a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Gardaí have thanked members of the local community for their “continued cooperation and assistance” during the search efforts.
Investigators are now liaising with other national and regional agencies to support efforts in locating and arresting the suspect.
Gardaí are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said: “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.
“Investigations are ongoing.”