A man who was found seriously injured in Dublin last night is being treated for a gunshot wound to the head.
The man, who is in his late 20s, was found on Mellowes Avenue in Finglas at around 8pm.
He was taken to Connolly Hospital in Blancharstown where he remains in a critical condition in intensive care.
Gardaí initially described his injuries as "unexplained", but doctors have established the man was shot in the head.
The firearm used in the shooting has not been recovered.
The scene has been forensically examined as part of a criminal investigation.
Gardaí are investigating the possibility that the man was the victim of a gangland attack, although they are still trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The victim is known to gardaí and has been linked to organised crime groups in Finglas and Cabra and to Kinahan gang gunmen who are serving prison sentences for their roles in trying to shoot rival Hutch gang members.
He was aware he was under threat and had been previously warned by gardaí that his life was in danger.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Mellowes Avenue, Mellowes Road, Kildonan Road or Cardiffsbridge Road between 7.30pm and 8pm yesterday, particularly any person who has video footage, to contact them at Finglas Garda Station on 01 666 7500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
