Gardaí follow definite line of enquiry on hit-and-run

BREAKING Number plate released as gardaí hunt for suspect vehicle from Ballyjamesduff area.

Gardaí investigating the fatal N3 hit-and-run that claimed the life of local man Frank Nulty are said to be following a definite line of enquiry in relation to the matter and have released the number plate of the car they believe responsible.

Mr Nulty (57) suffered significant injuries after he was struck by a passing vehicle on Thursday night, August 18.

It is now believed that his body may have been lying by the side of the road for close to 14 hours before being found by a passing cyclist shortly after midday on Friday, August 19.

Further details have since emerged, with officers now appealing for the public’s assistance in helping trace the whereabouts of a manufacturer identified ‘Deep Crystal Blue’ coloured Mazda 6.

The number plate of said vehicle has also now been made known- 151-G-6239- and gardaí are continuing to appeal for information from any persons who may have encountered this car, or have been asked to carry out repairs, especially car dealers, mechanics, scrap dealers and garages.

The 2.2 litre engine diesel Skyactiv-D 5-door Sport is known to have been local to the Ballyjamesduff area, and gardaí are aware the vehicle has damage to the left front headlight, front bumper, left front passenger wing, and windscreen.

It also has a missing wing mirror on the passenger side.

Gardaí have furthermore narrowed down the time of the accident also.

Shortly before being struck, Mr Nulty was known to have exited a bus, which dropped him off on the northbound side of the road, travelling in the direction of Cavan, at around 10pm. He had boarded the bus in Virginia.

He is understood now to have been struck whilst crossing the carriageway at an area locally known as Billis Bridge by a car travelling southbound, towards Virginia, where he was just minutes from his home at Drumfomina, New Inns, Ballyjamesduff.

Mr Nulty was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services arrived. The injuries he suffered were consistent with that of a pedestrian involved in a hit-and-run.

Since the accident, investigating gardaí based out of Bailieborough have called to local businesses and other premises along the N3 to gather available CCTV footage to assist with their investigation.

Forensic Collision Investigators, who completed a full technical examination of the scene following the discovery of Mr Nulty’s body, determined that he had been struck by a vehicle, which subsequently failed to remain at the scene.

Mr Nulty was laid to rest last week in the cemetery adjoining St Mary's Church, Clonaphilip, his local church.

He is predeceased by his parents John and Agnes. Mr Nulty is survived by his sister Geraldine Pritchard, Mountain Lodge; brother Tommy, New York; niece Ashling; nephews Michael, Gavin and Kevin; grandnephews, grandnieces and extended family.

The Garda appeal for witnesses includes road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N3 Cavan to Virginia Road and/or minor roads in the area of Billis, Ballyjamesduff between 9-11pm on Thursday, August 18.

Any persons in the area of Billis, Ballyjamesduff, who may have observed activity that drew their attention are also asked to come forward. They are being urged to contact Bailieborough Garda Station on 042 969 4570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.