Fatal Dublin Shooting Linked To Gangland Feud

A man has been shot dead in Dublin in an attack being linked to a murder at a boxing weigh-in by a gang armed with AK-47s.

The victim in his 50s was gunned down at an apartment block on Poplar Row, in the North Strand area of the city, just three days after David Byrne, 33, was killed at the nearby Regency Hotel, in what is believed to be agangland feud.

The latest man killed has been named by Irish media as Eddie Hutch.

Police have sealed off the scene of the shooting, which is believed to be in retaliation for last Friday’s attack.

It has led Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to call on any other gang members who fear for their lives to come forward and seek protection.

She said: “Tonight’s fatal shooting in Dublin is another deplorable example of the ruthlessness of gangland criminals. It seems that some gangs are intent on waging a feud where human life counts for nothing.

"The gardai will take all necessary steps to try to prevent further bloodshed but we have to recognise the challenges they face.

"Members of gangs who have fears for their safety should come forward to the gardai.”

The minister is to hold talks with senior officers about the escalating violence.

Six people are being hunted in connection with the attack at the Regency Hotel, 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 attack.

A video of the attack showed the moment the gunmen stormed the hotel.

The murder of Mr Byrne has been linked to a feud between organised crime gangs based in Dublin and the South of Spain.

There has been speculation his killing was in retaliation for the murder of 34-year-old Gary Hutch, Eddie Hutch’s nephew, at an apartment complex on the Costa del Sol last September.

The latest shooting has been condemned by Sinn Fein Leader Gerry Adams, who said it had “brought further fear and intimidation to the streets” of the Irish capital.

He added: Those behind this latest shooting, and those behind the dreadful attack last Friday at the Regency Hotel, must be apprehended and taken off our streets.

“The gardai need the fullest possible support from the community in their efforts to do this.”