Gardaí trying to establish motive for Walkinstown killing

Detectives were today trying to establish a motive for the murder of a father of two, stabbed to death in a Dublin laneway.

The 42-year-old, believed to be from Inchicore in west Dublin, was with a friend when he was attacked in nearby Walkinstown.

Early reports that he may have been targeted in a road rage incident are now looking less likely, according to investigating officers.

"It's early days in the investigation, there's a number of possible motives out there, they're all being explored," said Garda spokesman Supt Kevin Donohoe.

"Some (are) looking more likely than others, but we certainly wouldn't hang our hat on anything just at the moment."

The man and his friend went to the lane at the back of Beechfield Road in a four-wheel vehicle, where it is believed they met with one or more people in another car.

It is believed the dead man was attacked at the scene at around 9pm last night, while his friend alerted gardaí by knocking on the door of a nearby home.

The friend, who detectives have already spoken to about the murder, did not receive any significant injuries.

The victim was pronounced dead at around 9.30pm, shortly after arriving at St James' Hospital with multiple stab wounds.