'The Viper' believed to be Dublin shooting victim

It is believed that the man shot today at the fitness club at KCR is the well known Dublin criminal Martin 'The Viper' Foley, although this remains to be confirmed by gardaí.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the shooting in Dublin this afternoon.

They say the shooting happened shortly after 3pm this afternoon on the Lower Kimmage road.

Martin Foley was driving out of the gym when he noticed a car with a gunman come near him.

He got out and ran but was shot at least four times, in the shoulder, chest and lower body.

Foley is a well known gangland criminal. His first conviction was in 1968 and since then he has been a member of Martin Cahill's criminal gang.

It's the fourth time Foley has been shot. In 1995 outside Fatima Mansions, in 1996 by the convicted murdered Brian Meehan and in 2000 as he left Terenure swimming pool.

Today's shooting is believed to be linked to the ongoing feud between two Crumlin/Drimnagh based criminal gangs, one of which Foley is aligned to.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

He has been taken to St. James' hospital, the extent of his injuries is not yet known.

The scene of the incident has been sealed off for a technical examination.