Gardaí appeal after man shot dead in Walkinstown

Murder squad detectives are investigating the background of a retired truck driver who was shot dead outside his house.

Edward Nugent, 64, was hit three times in the chest in the gun attack in the Walkinstown area of Dublin last night.

Gardaí said he was rushed to St James’s Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

It is understood detectives are examining a number of lines of inquiry in connection with the murder, including whether Mr Nugent was shot in a case of mistaken identity.

They are also looking into the backgrounds of his family members, including one relative who allegedly associates with a local drug dealer, and whether Mr Nugent was facing any allegations himself.

The shooting happened at Mr Nugent’s home in Harty Avenue, Walkinstown, gardaí said.

It is understood the killer opened fire after ringing the doorbell. Bullet holes could be seen on glass at the property.

A short distance away in John McCormack Avenue, a white Honda Civic car believed to have been used by the gunman was found burnt out.

The shooting happened at about 9.30pm last night.

Gardai have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information on why Mr Nugent might have been targeted, and by whom, to come forward.

Two crime scenes in Walkinstown were preserved for a technical forensic examination – the house and the burnt-out car. The killing is the first gun murder in Dublin this year.