Dublin man in critical condition after suspected murder attempt

The 26-year-old found lying in pool of blood with gunshot wound to back of his head

There was initially confusion as to how the man received the wound as there was no other evidence of a firearm being used. File photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

A Dublin man is in a life-threatening condition after being found with a gunshot wound to the head following a suspected murder attempt.

The 26-year-old, who has links to organised crime in the Finglas area, was found lying in a pool of blood on Mellows Avenue at 8pm on Thursday. He had a severe wound to the back of his head and was taken to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown where he remains in a critical condition.

There was initially confusion as to how he received the wound as there was no other evidence of a firearm being used. On Friday, a Garda spokesman described the man being found with “unexplained head injuries.”

However, it is understood gardaí and medical staff are now satisfied he was shot in the back of the head.

READ MORE

The scene is currently being examined by forensic specialists and the Garda say investigations are ongoing. No firearm has been recovered and no arrests have been made.

The victim is an associate of a major organised crime group operating in the Finglas area.

He had previously been warned by gardaí that his life was in danger.

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher is Crime and Security Correspondent of The Irish Times