Irish Reporters 'Under Threat From Gangs'

A number of Irish journalists have been warned by police they are under threat from criminal gangs in Dublin, Sky sources say.

It is understood the Independent News and Media group is working with the journalists in question to strengthen their security.

Last Friday, one man was killed when gunmen, some of them dressed as police officers, opened fire at a boxing match weigh-in.

Armed officers are mounting vehicle checkpoints in the Irish capital in a bid to halt a gangland feud that has so far claimed three lives.

INM Editor-in-Chief Stephen Rae said: "This is an outrageous threat to the freedom of the press in Ireland and we are taking the threats with the utmost seriousness.

"The safety of our journalists is of paramount importance.

:: Armed Roadblocks In Bid To Halt Gangland Feud

"It is disturbing that threats of this nature have emerged as we approach the twentieth anniversary of the death of our colleague Veronica Guerin, who was murdered by criminals for exposing their activities.

"Our media group will not be deterred from serving the public interest and highlighting the threat to society at large posed by such criminals."

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said: "One of the pillars of a functioning democracy is freedom of speech and in any self respecting society, journalists must be afforded the freedom to go about their jobs without fear of reprisal.

"Those who engaged in the recent killings on our streets will be brought to justice and no resource will be spared in doing so."

The murders have been linked to a feud between organised crime gangs based in Dublin and the south of Spain.

In response the Irish government has pledged nearly an extra £4m (€5m) to tackle gang violence as the country's police chief vowed those responsible would be "brought to justice".

:: Hunt For Dublin Gunmen Dressed As SWAT Team

The latest victim was Eddie Hutch, whose brother Gerry is a notorious criminal, nicknamed The Monk.

They are the uncles of 34-year-old Gary Hutch, who was murdered at an apartment complex on the Costa del Sol last September.

There has been speculation that it was his killing which led to last Friday's fatal gun attack at the Regency Hotel here David Byrne was killed and two others were injured.

Six people are being hunted in connection with that killing, three of whom were armed with assault rifles and wore outfits similar to a police SWAT team.

Another armed with a handgun was dressed as a woman and had an auburn wig, while a fifth wore a flat cap and tracksuit.

Around 300 fans attending the weigh-in, including children, were forced to run and dive for cover during the deadly assault.

:: Watch a special report on Ireland's gangland killings on Sky News on Friday at 11:30am, 3:30pm, 6:30pm and 9:30pm.