Second garda gives evidence at Lusk raiders' inquest

A second garda witness is giving evidence today at the inquest into the deaths of two raiders who were shot dead by armed Gardai during a post office raid in Dublin more than two years ago.

Detective Garda B is giving evidence anonymously and from behind a screen to protect his identity.

He told the Coroner's Court today that he was in fear of his own safety and that of staff and customers during the robbery at Lusk Post Office in May 2005.

He said he drew his weapon in accordance with garda procedures.

He said he heard Detective Garda A, who gave evidence last Friday, shout: "Armed Gardaí, drop your weapon", before firing three shots in quick succession.

Detective Garda B said he did not have a clear view of the two raiders who were shot, but immediately following the shootings, he challenged the third raider to drop his sledgehammer.

The two victims of the shootings were Colm Griffin and Eric Hopkins, both from Dublin's north inner city.