Gardaí have begun a murder investigation following the fatal shooting of a man in Ballyfermot in Dublin this morning.
The incident happened at a house in the Croftwood Park area at around 11am.
The victim has been named tonight as Thomas McCarthy - the 55-year-old had lived in England for years but was home around a week.
Gardaí confirmed Mr McCarthy received a number of gunshot wounds and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
They said it was a planned and targeted attack and the incident had all the hallmarks of a gang-related attack.
It is understood that a number of gunmen arrived at the house this morning. Mr McCarthy opened the door and was shot a number of times on the doorstep.
It is believed he may have fled inside, but he was pursued and shot again a number of times.
It is understood that the victim's mother lived in the house where he was shot.
Neighbours say they heard the shots but did not know what they were.
Gardaí are trying to establish a motive for the murder, although one line of inquiry is that this could be a case of mistaken identity. Gardaí say they are keeping an open mind.
Two cars are thought to have been used in the attack, a blue Ford Fiesta and a Skoda Octavia.
The Ford Fiesta was found burnt out in nearby Le Fanu Drive, while the Skoda appears to have been set on fire in the Monskfield area of Clondalkin.
The scene has been preserved for a technical examination and the State Pathologist has been informed.
An appeal has been issued to anyone with information, particularly anyone who was in the area between 10.30am and 11.30am to contact Ballyfermot Garda Station on 01-6667200 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward, following the fatal shooting of a man in Ballyfermot in Dublin this morning. The incident happened at a house in the Croftwood Park area at around 11am. | Read more: https://t.co/f2ld5TWEkx pic.twitter.com/grUrCqJawl
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) July 27, 2020
