Calls for inquiry into fatal post office siege

THERE were growing demands last night for an independent investigation into how two raiders were shot dead by gardaí during a robbery in north Dublin.

Colm Griffin, the 33-year-old leader of a five-man gang, and 24-year-old Eric Hopkins, were fatally shot by gardaí at a post office in the village of Lusk.

Gardaí yesterday confirmed that only one raider had a firearm. Early indications suggest the gun was not fired.

The post office had been staked out following intelligence received by gardaí.

Questions were asked last night as to why the raiders were not apprehended before they entered the post office and why members of staff and the public were put in danger.

“I’m amazed gardaí conducted this operation with customers and staff present,” said criminal expert Prof Dermot Walsh of the University of Limerick.

“If gardaí had advance information of the armed raiders they should have arrested them on their way or outside the post office.”

Prof Walsh said the garda management decision to set up an internal investigation was inadequate. His call for an independent inquiry was backed by Amnesty International, Trinity College law professor Ivana Bacik and Labour party justice spokesman Joe Costello.

“Where people die as a result of garda action, there must be proper procedures for an independent investigation into such incidents,” said Mr Costello.

A garda spokesman said members of the elite Emergency Response Unit were inside the premises with the postmistress before the raiders entered.

Armed gardaí were also in an unmarked camper van outside the Village Store - a supermarket with a post office at the rear.

Witnesses said shortly after 8am gardaí jumped from the van and ran to the front entrance, telling bystanders to take cover.

A garda source said the raiders were confronted.

“They were told to drop their weapons, but one weapon was pointed at gardaí, so shots were fired.”

He said they “never intended” to let the raiders into the shop.

Three gang members were arrested at the scene, two more were arrested later.

Garda spokesman Kevin Donohoe said the force regretted the loss of life.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he hoped people wouldn’t get “weak-kneed” when gardaí responded to armed criminals.