Murder investigation begins into Cork shooting

A murder investigation has been launched after a man was shot dead in Cork last night.

The 42-year-old victim has been named locally as Ger Stanton, who was originally from the Knocknaheeney area of the city.

He was gunned down as he got into his car outside a house at Westlawn in Wilton at around 8.15pm. He was shot a number of times.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead at the nearby Cork University Hospital a short time later.

Gardaí are investigating if a van found burned out at Waterfall may have been used by the gunman to flee the scene.

This was the first fatal gangland-style shooting in Cork for a number of years.

Gardaí at Togher Station are investigating the possibility that the attack was drug related, and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.