Gardaí investigating the murder of a man in Co Donegal are attempting to piece together the movements of a car which is believed to have been used by his killers.
Andrew Allen (24) died last night after being shot a number of times through a window of his home in Links View, Buncrana at about 9pm.
The father of two, who is originally from the Waterside area of Derry, is believed to have been shot by a group of three armed men.
His murder has been linked to a dissident vigilante group that has been operating in the region. It is understood that Mr Allen was forced out of Derry last year over his alleged involvement in the drugs trade.
A Silver Vauxhall Cavalier car, registration number SJI 2117, was found burned out at Ballybone near Fahan, off the Buncrana to Derry road, a short time after the shooting. A second getaway car is believed to have transported the men from this point.
Gardaí have appealed to anyone who witnessed anything unusual or suspicious in the Fahan area last night or in the Links View area over the last few days to contact them.
A forensic examination of Mr Allen’s house was conducted today. Mr Allen’s 34-year-old girlfriend escaped the attack uninjured.
Derry based priest Fr Michael Canny claimed a group called Republican Action Against Drugs was responsible for the attack on Mr Allen.
“At some stage last year between the Waterside and Cityside areas as many as 36 or 37 people have been exiled from their community and families,” he said.
Fr Cranny said the victim, whose mother still lives in Derry, was the first of the group who allegedly fled Derry to be shot.
A PSNI spokesman would not confirm claims that Mr Allen was targeted by a vigilante group.
Local politicians condemned the attack.
“There is shock in the community on hearing the news of the murder of this young man in Buncrana,” said Raymond McCartney, Sinn Féin MLA for Foyle.
“His life has now been cut short and a family has now been plunged into grief and despair. People north and south have rejected these actions; they need to stop immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda station on 074 9320540, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.