Gardaí question men in relation to Saulite murder

GARDAÍ were questioning two men last night in connection with the murder of Latvian mother Baiba Saulite.

The men, both Lebanese nationals, are the first arrests in the investigation. They are being held on suspicion of having information linked to the crime and are not suspects for the murder itself.

Ms Saulite, aged 28 and a mother of two, was shot dead at the doorway to her home in Holywell Square, Swords, north Dublin on November 19.

The two men, aged 26 and 27, were arrested by detectives in a dawn swoop on their homes, where they live with their families.

One was arrested in Blanchardstown, west Dublin, while the second was arrested at his home in Raheny, north Dublin. Both men work in the city.

“We suspect they may hold information concerning the offence. They might know the people involved. That’s why they are detained,” said a garda source.

The men were arrested as part of a large operation by gardaí based in Swords station, backed up by armed detectives from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI).

One of the men was taken to Malahide garda station, while the second was brought to Coolock garda station.

They are being detained under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939, on suspicion of possession of information relating to the possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life at Holywell Square on the night of November 19.

The two can be held for an initial period of 24 hours, which can be extended for a further 24 hours on the authorisation of a senior officer.