Clonee shooting victim ambushed by four-man gang

A four-man gang responsible for shooting dead another man on the north-western outskirts of Dublin escaped on foot today after being pursued by an off duty police officer.

The victim was sitting in his car at Little Pace Road in Clonee, Co Meath at about 4am when his he was ambushed by attackers .

He was struck in the head and upper body.

An off duty garda heard the shots and chased the gang but they managed to give him the slip.

The victim was taken to the James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown but died at 5.30am.

The victim is believed to have been in his early thirties.

The Gardaí said at least four men were involved in the attack and were reported to have been wearing dark clothes and hats or balaclavas.

The murder scene has been preserved for a technical examination.

A post mortem will take place later.