Boy (6) shot in Dublin estate

A six-year-old boy was taken to hospital last night after receiving a gunshot wound to the neck in a Dublin housing estate.

Details surrounding the incident were unclear in the immediate aftermath last night.

The incident took place at an estate called Croftwood Gardens in Ballyfermot at about 10.15pm.

Although it was too soon after he was shot to verify his condition, a source said he was conscious and breathing at the scene before being taken to hospital.

Emergency services were contacted and rushed to the scene where a large number of people had gathered. Two units of Dublin Fire Brigade and an ambulance administered first aid before rushing the boy to Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin.

A source said the incident happened outside a house in the area but it was not clear as to whether it was the boy’s home.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan said there was conflicting versions of what occurred but he said one was that the boy had stumbled upon a hidden weapon.

“Somebody obviously put the gun there. A child finds it and does that. It’s absolutely inexcusable; you can’t justify people hiding guns like that,” he said.

“Tonight people are shocked, angry and afraid. Nobody can try and put an excuse forward for this.”

Gardaí sealed the area off for a forensic examination and investigations into the circumstances of the shooting were ongoing. No arrests were reported.

In a statement last night, gardaí said: “A six-year-old boy received an apparent gunshot injury at a house. He has been taken to Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin where he is being treated for his injuries. The scene is currently sealed off pending Garda forensic examination.”

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked to contact gardaí at Ballyfermot on 01-6667200 or any other station.