Murder investigation continues

Gardaí are carrying out house-to-house inquiries today as they continue their investigation into the murder of a man in Ballyfermot…

Gardaí are carrying out house-to-house inquiries today as they continue their investigation into the murder of a man in Ballyfermot yesterday afternoon.

Anthony Cannon (26), of Robert's Street in Dublin's south inner city, was shot twice in the head at St Mary's Avenue West, off Sarsfield Rd, Ballyfermot, at 4pm yesterday.

His shooting was the 17th gun murder this year.

Cannon was travelling in a car when he saw two men, one of them armed, on a motorbike. He got out of his car and ran, trying to jump over railings into nearby Longmeadows Park.

The gunman caught up with him and opened fire. A number of shots were discharged as Cannon lay wounded on the ground.

A number of young children witnessed the shooting.

Garda sources said at least 11 rounds were fired. The victim was wearing a bullet-proof vest. Cannon had taken to wearing the vest after being warned by gardaí that his life was in danger.

Gardaí believe the killing was part of an ongoing feud between rival drugs gangs that has so far claimed 12 lives.

Cannon was an associate of a gangland figure involved in a drugs feud in Crumlin and Drimnagh, both in southwest Dublin, and was himself a gang member.

Cannon was on bail awaiting trial on assault charges.