Gardaí appeal over murder getaway car

Gardaí are seeking information on a stolen BMW which was used in connection with the murder of Declan O’Reilly last night.

Mr O’Reilly (32) was shot dead in front of his young son on the South Circular Road in Dublin at about 8pm last night.

Gardai disclosed today the gunman fled the scene in a silver-coloured BMW 3 Series car.

The vehicle - registration plate 04 D 48695 - was stolen during a burglary in the Monastery area of Clondalkin during the night of Tuesday, September 18th.

Supt Thady Muldoon told reporters at Kevin Street Garda station that at least two suspects – the driver and the shooter - are wanted in connection with the murder.

Mr O’Reilly’s 12-year-old son was walking just in front of his father when the incident occurred.

Supt Muldoon, who described the murder as “particularly callous”, said witnesses saw the gunman approach Mr O’Reilly on foot and discharge four or five shoots before running to the BMW.

The car travelled towards the Tenters area in Dublin 8, along Dufferin Avenue, Thomas’s Road and O’Donovan Road. It was later found on fire in O’Curry Avenue. Gardaí confirmed that a firearm, believed to be a handgun, was found in the vehicle.

They appealed to residents of the area who noticed anything suspicious or unusual around 8pm last night to contact Kevin Street Garda Station on 666 9400.

The child was unharmed in the attack and is currently receiving specialist help.

The dead man stabbed Derek Glennon (24) to death in Mountjoy Prison in 2007, but was aquitted after he said it was self defence.

Supt Muldoon said that incident would “certainly be one of the main lines of enquiry,” but added that all avenues would be looked at and nothing has been ruled out.

The victim would have been aware that his life was at risk, Supt Muldoon said.

He added that it was unlikely he was lured to his death. He probably would not have come out with his child if he had been called out, Supt Muldoon said.

He added there was “nothing to suggest” a connection between this incident and the murder of Gerard Eglington (27) in Portarlington, Co Laois yesterday.