Three arrested over Limerick feud killing

Three men have been arrested in Limerick by gardaí investigating the killing of Mr John Ryan.

A Garda forensic expert examines the scene of the fatal shooting in Thomondgate, Limerick, yesterday evening, and (inset) the victim, Mr John Ryan, who was shot several times while working in the garden by a pillion passenger.

Mr Ryan (47) was shot dead by a man on the back of a motorcycle in the front garden of a neighbour's house in Thomondgate last Monday week. He is believed to be the latest victim of ongoing family feuding in Limerick.

A Garda statement said the three were arrested "as a result of the ongoing investigation into the murder". They were held this morning on the northside of Limerick city.

All three were detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act. Two are being held at Mayorstone Garda Station and one is being detained at Henry Street Garda Station. One man in Mayorstone is in his early sixties and the other two men are aged 19.

Yesterday, gardaí released without charge two men who were being questioned in connection with the murder.

The men - one in his twenties and one in his forties - were released late last night, having been held under section 30 of the Offences against the State Act at Henry Street and Mayorstone Garda stations. They were also arrested in north side of Limerick.

It has emerged that a couple who were seen pushing a child's buggy in the area close to the time of the shooting have come forward and are helping gardai with their inquiries.

Gardaí are still waiting for the results of ballistic tests carried out on a handgun to see if it was connected to this killing. The weapon was seized in the Island Field area.

Nobody has as yet been charged with Mr Ryan's murder.