Gardaí confiscate bullet-proof BMW

GARDAÍ confiscated an armour-plated, bullet-proof BMW 4x4 from Limerick’s McCarthy Dundon gang at the weekend.

Members of the gang are suspected of murdering Mark Moloney in Garryowen on Saturday. This was the 12th violent death related to the feud since November 2000.

In recent weeks the gang bought two powerful armour-plated and bullet-proof BMWs.

One, a saloon, was impounded by gardaí at Roxboro Road two weeks ago.

And at the weekend the second BMW, a 4x4 was impounded.

Some reports indicate that the Criminal Assets Bureau were involved in the confiscation on Saturday of the 4x4.

This vehicle was fitted out with a sophisticated public address system, similar to the ones in Garda patrol cars.

Last week, the 4x4 was driven in the precincts of Limerick prison and messages were broadcast to prisoners who could hear them while out in the exercise yard.

And the vehicle was also driven up to the front of Limerick court house where messages were also broadcast.

One source said: “You could detonate a bomb under these vehicles and it wouldn’t cause a scratch.”

Meanwhile, a 14-year-old boy who is charged with having a sawn-off double-barrel shotgun in St Mary’s Park is due at Limerick Children’s Court again tomorrow when it is expected an application will be made for bail.

When arrested last Wednesday he was found to be wearing a bullet-proof vest.

Another man arrested with him is also due at a separated remand hearing. His solicitor told Limerick District Court last Friday he was not applying for bail at that time as if the accused got out his life and the lives of his family would be in danger.