The man, whose body was found in a burning car in Lucan in Dublin on Monday night, has been identified as a 42-year-old convicted criminal.

Wayne Whelan, from west Dublin, was shot dead before the car he was in was set on fire on Mount Andrew Rise.

Whelan, who was reported missing by his family, was identified through DNA.

He was a well-known criminal involved in drugs and organised crime and survived a previous attempt on his life earlier this year.

In that incident, his car was rammed and he was shot at a number of times in Griffeen Glen Park in Lucan in September, but managed to escape to the safety of a nearby house.


Wayne Whelan pictured after surviving a previous attempt on his life earlier this year 

Whelan had previous convictions and was a suspect for at least two other murders - those of David Lynch earlier this year and Mark Desmond three years ago.

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Gardaí are trying to establish how many people were involved in Whelan's murder and how the killer or killers left the scene at Mount Andrew Rise after the car had been set on fire.

They believe the motive for the murder lies in organised crime, drugs, a vendetta or revenge for previous shootings and killings.

Gardaí have also appealed for information on the movements of the Carlow-registered navy Toyota Corolla  (05 CW 2225) in which Whelan's body was found.

They said it was sold seven days ago and are anxious to find out where it had been since then.

The gun used in the killing was not left in the car and has not been recovered.

Supt Dolan said: "I am appealing for any person who has seen this car or knows of its whereabouts since 13 November to contact investigating gardaí.

"I am also appealing to any person in Mount Andrew estate, who saw this car or to any person who witnessed or has dashcam footage in relation to the incident on Monday night.

"To help assist people in their recollection, the Ireland v Denmark match was taking place at the time."