The officer in charge of investigating the Hutch Kinahan feud has said the gardaí are continuing to actively prevent any potential escalation in violence following last week’s acquittal of Patrick Hutch.
The 26-year-old left the Special Criminal Court as a free man after charges of murder and other offences in relation to the shooting of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel three years ago were dropped.
Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll said today armed patrols and checkpoints were being maintained in Dublin's north inner city and static protection posts were also in place.
He also stressed that gardaí investigating the feud had so far intervened and saved lives in 59 incidents, seized over 90 firearms including machine guns, and seized over €150 million worth of drugs as well as over €8m in cash.
Mr O'Driscoll also said that people considered potential targets of criminal gangs had been given security advice but many have ignored garda warnings and continue to engage in dangerous and criminal activity.
Over 400 people, including Patrick Hutch, have been warned their lives were in danger.
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Charges dropped against Regency Hotel murder accused Patrick Hutch
Major investigation into fatal hotel shooting gets under way
