Ireland

Mother-of-six and man shot dead in Dublin gangland attack

PROBE: Forensics at the crime scene on Balbutcher Drive in Ballymun, Dublin Picture: Brian Lawless/PA
PROBE: Forensics at the crime scene on Balbutcher Drive in Ballymun, Dublin Picture: Brian Lawless/PA PROBE: Forensics at the crime scene on Balbutcher Drive in Ballymun, Dublin Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

A MOTHER-of-six and a man have been shot dead and two others injured in a gangland-style attack in Dublin.

The woman in her forties and a man in his thirties, who were not the intended target of the shooting, were gunned down on Balbutcher Drive in the Poppintree area of Ballymun in north Dublin at around 4pm yesterday.

A woman, believed to have been holding a baby, was also shot. She and another man, who was injured, were taken to the Mater Hospital. Their injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

It is understood the target of the shooting escaped.

Gardaí are hunting for two gunmen. They said a gun was found and is being examined. Officers are also examining two cars, including a silver Opel Zafira which was found partially burnt out a short distance from the scene.

The killings are believed to be part of a long-running feud in the area, which has seen several shootings and assaults.

It is understood the target of the latest attack is the brother of a man shot dead in Dublin in early 2014.

Politicians roundly condemned the double killing.

Roisin Shortall, a Social Democrat TD, said there had been recent tensions in the area and that the community feared an escalation of violence.

"The horrific incident is a chilling reminder of the extent of gangland crime on Dublin's streets, much of it drug fuelled," she said.

"The incident should act as a wake-up call to the Government that gangland crime in Dublin remains prevalent and wreaks havoc across the city and in many local communities.

"It is crucial to invest in adequate policing and it is also crucial to invest in and to sustain investment in building safe and strong communities across the city."

Dessie Ellis, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin North West, said: "We have to ask people to desist.

"Nobody should be targeted, nobody should retaliate or get involved.

"I'm asking people not to get involved or caught up in these personal disputes. No one losing their life is worth it."

Mr Ellis also questioned the level of Garda resources in the area.