Three arrested after gangland style murder

THREE men arrested by detectives involved in two major but completely separate operations are in custody today on unrelated charges.

The three all had outstanding bench warrants out for their arrests when they were picked up by detectives investigating the most recent gangland-style murder and a team involved in Operation Anvil.

A key element of Operation Anvil is the execution of warrants issued after an accused failed to appear in court. There are thousands of outstanding warrants, many for minor offences committed by those believed to be involved in more serious crime.

The €6.5m Operation Anvil, described by the Minister for Justice as one of the most intensive policing operations ever undertaken in the state, is aimed at targeting those involved in gun crime in the greater Dublin area.

However, it is understood teams involved in the investigation of other serious crimes, including murder, have been told to check for outstanding warrants on those they arrest and question.

A 25-year-old man arrested and held in connection with Friday’s murder of father of four Tony Creed will appear before Dublin District Court today. He was one of three men arrested on Friday afternoon, just hours after Creed was shot dead at his home in Clondalkin.

The other two, aged 18 and 20, were released and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. However, the 25-year-old had an outstanding warrant out for his arrest on an unrelated charge and remained in custody last night pending his court appearance.

Three of Creed’s daughters, aged nine, six and four, were in his house when the killer came calling and the oldest opened the door. All three are now understood to be in the care of the State.

Members involved in Operation Anvil arrested three men following a raid on a house in Navan on Saturday.

A firearm and body armour were discovered following a search of the house by units from Blanchardstown, Navan and National Support Services.