An investigation is under way after a 21-year-old woman died after she was struck by a garda patrol car in Co Donegal in the early hours of this morning.
The incident occurred at Ludden, Buncrana, at around 3.15am.
A garda spokesperson said the collision has been referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.
In a statement, GSOC said it received the referral from gardaí following the incident and it is now under examination.
The woman has been named locally as Rebecca Browne from Co Derry.
People in Buncrana have expressed their shock and heartbreak over the incident.
Local councillor Rena Donaghey said it had shocked the town to the core.
Cllr Donaghey said Ms Browne was spending the weekend with her friend in Buncrana.
"Buncrana awoke to this awful news this morning that a young girl of 21 had lost her life in the early hours of the morning. It's devastating news. Our heart goes out to her family, to her friends and the entire circle that this affects."
The area is a popular tourist spot with caravan parks situated in the vicinity of Ludden and Lisfannon beaches.
"It's just horrific news. It's so sad. We are a neighbouring parish of Derry, just 10 miles up the road. We are very closely associated with Derry and they visit here all the time. Our hearts, sympathy and prayers go out to the family of the poor girl," Cllr Donaghey said.
One mother and son, Claire and Devon West who are visiting the area from Strabane, said they were devastated for the young woman's family.
Devon said he came upon the scene last night. "So I was in Buncrana last night watching the Katie Taylor fight. Around 3am or 4am in the morning, I saw an ambulance and shortly after my Mum texted me to ask me where I was because she had been woken by activity and was concerned for me.
"I started to walk back to the caravan park and I noticed that there was flashing lights in the road and a checkpoint. And the closer I got, the more of a feeling I got that something wasn't right. And I walked by and then they stopped me and told me that there was an accident."
"You know, I've walked that road many times and it's shocking what happened."
Claire West, a nurse working in Derry, said she was heartbroken. "We come here to relax ... I just can't put into words how I'm feeling as a mother, as a parent. The poor girl was just here from Derry for the weekend. She's the same age as my son. I'm just heartbroken."
Ms Browne's body has been removed from the scene and a post-mortem is due to be carried out.
The road is closed and local diversions are in place.
Gardaí are appealing to any witnesses, or anyone with information on the incident, to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
