Appeal to taxi drivers over murder

Gardaí investigating the fatal shooting a man in Portmarnock last week have appealed for taxi drivers who may have been in the…

Gardaí investigating the fatal shooting a man in Portmarnock last week have appealed for taxi drivers who may have been in the area at the time of the shooting to contact them in relation to the crime.

Sean Winters (42), originally from Raheny, north Dublin, was shot dead outside the gated apartment block where he lived in Portmarnock in the north of the city last Sunday

He was shot on Station Road near the entrance to the Links apartment complex at about 10.30pm.

Locals reported hearing a scuffle – or running – outside the building before the gunfire that killed Winters.

The car used in the killing – a 98 OY silver VW Passat – was found on fire at Templeview Close, Coolock, just after the murder.

Gardaí believe Winters was involved in a large drug-dealing gang operating mainly in Donaghmede and Baldoyle, both in north Dublin. A leading member, David Lyndsay (38), and his friend, Alan Napper (39), went missing in 2008 and are presumed murdered.

Another member of the gang, Paul "Burger" Walsh (29), Foxhill Green, Baldoyle, had €600,000 confiscated by the Criminal Assets Bureau three years ago.

Winters was the chief suspect in the murder of Anthony Jenkinson (28), who was beaten to death in St Anne's Park, Raheny, in April 2001. He was killed in a dispute over drug money. Winters was a cousin of Noel Deans (27) who was shot dead in Coolock in January.

Gardaí are trying to establish whether he was planning revenge against those who had murdered his cousin, and may have been killed to prevent such an attack.

It is now believed that a Taxi or Taxis may have been in the area at this time and investigating Gardaí are appealing to them to contact the incident room at Swords Garda Station where they may be in a position to provide information.

Investigating Gardaí can be contacted at Swords Garda Station 01-6664710, the Garda Confidential Line 1-800-666-111 or any Garda Station.