Appeal over Tallaght gun attack

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses who may have seen a dark motorcycle leaving the scene of a shooting in Tallaght, Dublin last night.

A 45-year-old man remains in a critical condition after he was shot in the head and body outside the St Dominic shopping centre off Mountain Park Road just before 10pm. He had en approached by two men on a motorbike.be

The victim, an unemployed father originally from Finglas, was removed to Tallaght Hospital. The scene has been sealed off for technical examination. No arrests have been made and no weapon has been recovered, but gun shells found at the scene are being forensically examined to identify the calibre and make of the weapon used.

The victim was known to gardaí and sources have said they believed it was a murder attempt but were unaware of the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting. They are understood to be exploring a link to a recent shooting in Cabra.

Superintendent David Taylor said gardaí are anxious to speak to anybody who may have been in the area of the shooting between 9pm and 10pm. They are also appealing for anyone who may have seen a dark motorbike in the area with a driver and pillion passenger both in dark clothing.

The shooting took place outside a number of premises including restaurants and because of the very warm night, people were out and about, he said. Some witnesses had already come forward and gardaí were grateful for their help.

Supt Taylor said he was not aware of any children witnessing the shooting, but because many schools broke up for summer holidays yesterday and it occurred near a residential area, it was possible.

He said the location was also close to the N81, the main Tallaght to Blessington Road, and it was possible the motorbike may have driven away in that direction.

“We are appealing to people who were out during last night; if you passed by a motorcycle that looking back now might have been suspicious please come forward,” he said.

An incident room had been set up in Tallaght Garda Station, the superintendent said, and he appealed for anyone who may have seen a burnt out motorcycle in the area to contact them.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the attack or who may have seen any suspicious or unusual activity in the area to contact Tallaght Garda station at 01-6666000 or on the Garda confidential phone line at 1800-666111.