No criminal charges over fatal shooting of raiders

No criminal charges are to be brought for the killing of two raiders shot dead by armed detectives during a foiled raid on a north Co Dublin post office.

At an inquest hearing into the death of Colm Griffin and Eric Hopkins Dublin City Coroner’s Court heard the Director of Public Prosecutions had this week taken the decision not to proceed with charges.

The two dead raiders were part of a five-man gang who were attempting to hold up Lusk Post Office on May 26 last. Armed detectives had been lying in wait for them.

Griffin, 33, of Canon Lillis Avenue in Dublin’s north inner city died from gunshot injuries to the head and trunk. Hopkins, 24, of Lower Rutland Street, also in the north inner city, died of gunshot wounds to the trunk.

Both families of the dead men were in court but declined to comment on the DPP’s decision.

Coroner Dr Brian Farrell adjourned the hearing until June 13.