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Gardai increase armed patrols after horror Christmas Eve shooting in Dublin restaurant

Officers urge people not to share footage of violent incident

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0:28

Suspected gunman dead after Dublin restaurant attack, another man in ‘serious condition’

Today at 12:28

Gardai have increased armed patrols on Christmas Day on Dublin’s northside after a man was killed and another was shot in the neck in a restaurant in Blanchardstown.

A suspected gunman, who is in his 20s, died after being found at the scene following the gun attack at the packed restaurant yesterday evening.

It is understood he was stabbed multiple times after being overpowered.

He is suspected of using a high velocity weapon in the shooting which led to terrified customers, including children and women, fleeing the premises.

Distressing mobile phone footage captured the aftermath of the incident. Gardai today appealed to people not to share the images.

Gardaí have increased uniform patrols in the Dublin region, as they also warned that significant “misinformation” is circulating.

The shooting took place around 8.10pm on Sunday at Browne’s Steakhouse on the Main Street in Blanchardstown.

The men were taken to James Connolly Memorial Hospital to receive medical treatment.

The suspected gunnan was pronounced dead in hospital a short time afterwards.

A post-mortem of the deceased will take place tomorrow at the City Morgue, Whitehall by the Irish State Pathologist.

The other man, who is in his 40s, is receiving treatment for gunshot wounds. He is in a serious condition.

Sources said the target was a local man, aged in his 40s, who suffered a gunshot wound to the neck.

One line being investigated is that the shooting is linked to the bitter Corduff feud that has seen numerous violent incidents.

Two suspects in the case fled the scene in a white Audi car.

Mr Varadkar said he was “shocked” to hear about the shooting at “a well known family restaurant I’ve visited many times”.

He said a “full Garda investigation” is under way, adding: “My thanks to them and solidarity to staff and customers.”

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee said that the attack taking place where families had gathered was “disgusting”.

“I deplore the violence in Blanchardstown,” she said.

“This viciousness has resulted in unimaginable human suffering this Christmas.

“That anyone could perpetrate such violence as families gathered together is especially disgusting.

“I’m thinking of the bereaved, those who were at the scene and indeed all the emergency service personnel working tonight and over Christmas who have to deal with this senseless violence.

“I call on anyone with information of any kind to contact An Garda Siochana.”

A Garda spokesperson said on Monday: “Gardaí are continuing to investigate an incident that occurred at premises on the Main Street in Blanchardstown Dublin 15 at around 8pm on Sunday.

“A man in his 20s was fatally injured. A second male (aged in his 40s) continues to receive treatment for gunshot wounds. His condition remains serious.

“The scene remains preserved at this time. A technical examination is being carried out by the Garda Technical Bureau.”

They added: “An incident room has been established at Blanchardstown Garda Station. Local Gardaí are being assisted by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI).

“The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and a Garda Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed to liaise with both families.

“An Garda Síochána is aware of videos of the incident and immediate aftermath which are in circulation on social media and messaging apps. We are appealing to the public for these videos not to be further distributed.

“We are also appealing to the public to be aware of a significant level of speculation, misinformation and disinformation which is in circulation.

“Gardaí have increased uniform patrols in the Dublin Region, with support from armed patrols, including the Garda Armed Support Unit.”