Knife attack on member of extended Hutch family not linked to feud, say gardaí

Gardaí do not suspect a serious knife attack on a member of the extended Hutch family is linked to the feud with the Kinahan crime cartel.

The victim, aged 19, was stabbed in an early morning assault yesterday at a Dublin block of flats.

It was confirmed yesterday the youth was connected to the Hutch family, but sources said he is a member of the “extended family”.

Sources said they currently had no reason to believe the attack was carried out by people acting for the Kinahan cartel.

“The attack is not thought to be feud related,” said one garda source.

The attack took place at Kevin Barry House, a block of flats on Coleraine Street, in the north inner city, at around 9am.

The youth was brought the short distance to the Mater Hospital where he underwent surgery. His condition was described as serious.

Detectives are investigating the possible motives behind the attack and conducting local inquiries to gain descriptions of the attacker.

Another garda source said that although it did not appear to be linked to the feud, the attack was another indication of the collapse of the Hutch gang in its former heartland.

“The Hutches had a significant stranglehold in the north inner city — that’s gone now. In the past, few would attack any member of the Hutch family without fear of repercussions.”

He pointed out that crime gangs generally had been forced into coming down on one side or the other of the feud and that the bulk were associating with the Kinahan cartel.

Meanwhile, gardaí targeting a separate criminal gang seized cars, boats, motors and various lawnmowers in Co Meath. The gang, which specialises in major burglaries, was targeted under Operation Thor.

When gardaí searched a house in Oldcastle, they confiscated a 2015 Audi A5, a 2010 Audi A4 Estate, a rigid inflatable boat and outboard motor, as well as three ride-on lawnmowers, another lawnmower and power tools.

“The property is believed to have been stolen during burglaries in the Midlands, particularly in counties Meath and Westmeath,” a garda spokesman said.

A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene and was detained.