Two young men hit in drive-by shooting

Two young men were recovering in hospital last night after being shot and injured in a drive-by shooting in Blanchardstown, west Dublin.

The men, a 21-year-old and a 27-year-old, were walking on the Clonsilla Road at around 6.15 p.m. when a black car pulled up alongside them. A number of shots were fired from the car, before the driver made off at speed.

The men were taken to James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown. The exact nature and extent of their injuries are not yet known, but their condition was last night described as "non-life threatening".

Gardaí at Blanchardstown are investigating the incident and were last night waiting to speak to the men. A Garda spokesman said they had not yet determined how many shots were fired, how many bullets struck the men, or whether both or either of the men were the intended victims of the shooting.

Gardaí have preserved the scene for technical examination and have warned motorists that the Clonsilla Road junction with Blanchardstown Village will be closed until later today. Alternative routes are through Roselawn Shopping Centre or via Snugborough Road.