A MURDER investigation is underway after a 23-year-old man was shot dead at a house in Dublin in an attack believed to be linked to a drugs gang.

The victim has been named locally as Brandon Ledwidge, who was shot several times outside his family home in the Barry Drive area of Finglas.

A man approached the victim shortly before 7pm on Saturday before opening fire. It is understood the victim's mother was in the house at the time.

A Gardaí spokesperson said of the victim: "He was treated by emergency personnel at the scene and removed by ambulance to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown where he was pronounced deceased a short time later."

They added: “Investigating gardai are also appealing to anyone with video footage, including motorists with dash-cam, from the Dromcarra, Kilclare and Cheeverstown areas within this timeframe to make it available to them.”

The scene of the shooting remained preserved on Sunday to allow for a forensic and technical examination by Gardaí, while officers have conducted house-to-house enquiries in the area.

RTÉ reported on Sunday that the victim may have been targeted by a drugs gang in the Finglas area after being involved in a row with members.

Family and friends of the deceased, who had played soccer with Finglas Celtic FC, paid tribute to him in social media posts.

Friend Craig Bradley wrote in a Facebook post: "Ready easy Brandon Ledwidge look over friends and family brother may u have the best bed up there."

Sophie Milligan wrote: "My heart is literally broken rip Brandon Ledwidge thinking of you all at this extremely sad time," while Taylor Moore posted: "Look over your mother father brother and sisters."