Six murders in one garda district ‘unprecedented’

GARDA chiefs are deeply concerned at the spate of gun crime which has seen five people killed in just one garda division.

In addition to the gun murders, Coolock in north Dublin has also had a fatal stabbing, bringing to six the total number of murders this year, including the murder 22-year-old James Purdue yesterday. Gardaí say there is no connection between the murders.

“It’s being taken very seriously. It’s of huge concern to all of us, including the commissioner,” said one senior detective.