Gardai investigating Stamullen shooting recover a car and handgun

Gardai have recovered the car and the firearm they believe was used in last night's shooting in Mill Close, Stamullen, which left a man in his thirties in a serious condition in hospital.

The car, a blue Seat Leon estate, fitted with false 151 DL plates was found this morning in a field on the Bellewstown Road in Stamullen, a short distance from the shooting. The car was driven into a field and Gardai say there were attempts made to burn it and some damage was caused to the interior.

A handgun was located in the car, which is now in possession of the ballistics section of the Garda Technical Bureau for examination. The car, which was stolen in south Dublin in recent weeks, is also being technically examined. 

The suspect car had at least two people on board- the driver and the gunman- and was waiting for the victim.

The victim arrived in his Volvo and as he was parked, the gunman, who was wearing a balaclava, got out of the suspect car and fired at least eight shots at the victim's car. The man was shot at least twice.

The driver of Seat Leon left the estate, turning left towards Stamullen and then turned right onto the Bellewstown Road where the car was abandoned in a field.

The attempted murder, which occurred at around 7pm last night in Mill Close, has shocked the local community.

Superintendent Jim Cannon of Ashbourne Garda Station said they are satisfied the shooting is not gangland fued related. 'At this stage we are looking at all options regarding motive, one of which is that it may be related to a personal grudge.'

He also confirmed that the victim had not come to garda attention before.

'This was a despicable act with no regard whatsoever for the safety of residents including children in the vicinity. Mill Close is a very decent housing estate in Stamullen,' said Supt Cannon.

Gardai are appealing for anyone who was in the Stamullen area between 6.30pm and 7.15pm last night and who may have noticed any suspicious activity around the Mill Close area or the general vicinity of Stamullen, specifically regarding the Seat Leon with 151 DL plates to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01-8010600 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111..

Gardai are also interested in a white BMW car that was seen in the area around that time. It is not clear yet if the car was linked and Gardai would like the owner to come forward so they can eliminate them from the inquiry if it is not linked.

Gardai would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed any incidents of dangerous driving around 7pm - 7.15pm between Bellewstown and North Co Dublin last night.

Gardai have already completed door to door inquiries and the divisional search team has examined both the scene of the shooting and the field where the car was found.