Gardaí Urge Local Assistance As Minister Stands Firm Against Warring Gangs

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IMAGE: An Garda Siochana - Facebook

Gardaí say they need the help of locals in Dublin’s north inner city to solve the latest gangland murder. Jason ‘Buda’ Molyneaux was shot dead on North Strand last night as he was returning home from his friend’s wake.

Gardaí are following a number of lines of inquiring including if this murder is related to the ongoing gangland feud or another dispute in Ballymun. A man in dark clothing was seen running from the area and the suspected getaway van was found partially burnt out a short distance away.

Jason Molyneaux, 27, was shot several times in the body in an attack in the James Larkin House flat complex off North Strand at about 9.45pm last night.

“There is no place for such activity in a civilised country,” said Minister Flanagan. “The Gardaí have faced down such criminal threats in the past and will do so now and well into the future.”

Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Jim O’Callaghan said 15 gangland killings in 27 months showed the Government was losing the fight against gun crime. “It is apparent that gun violence has become all too prevalent among the brazen gangs who place little or no value on human life,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

Molyneaux, who had scores of convictions and is understood to have been told his life was under threat, was taken to the Mater Hospital after being shot, but was pronounced dead. It is understood Molyneaux had one son and lived across the road from where his life was taken.

Councillor Niall Ring, who works in the area, raised concerns about the impact gangland murders were having on young children. “It has added to the tensions. Within 100 yards of where that man was shot kids are going to schools, passing a crime scene of where another man was shot in the north inner city,” he said.

Superintendent Gerard Murphy said: “We need the help of the community to assist us. Following the shooting witnesses are indicating to us that a male left the scene no better described than in dark clothing.”

“We don’t know the direction of travel at this stage and that is why we’re appealing to witnesses out there to inform us as to where this person could likely have gone.”

Gardaí are anxious to speak to anyone who may have seen a white Renault Kangoo van registration No: 10 D 126064 in the last few days or in particular any sightings of this van between 9.45pm last night and 12.15am this morning.

This van was located by Gardaí on the road leading to the East Link Toll Booth at approximately 12.15am this morning. Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room at Store St on 01 666 8000, The Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.