Irish police are preparing for “revenge attacks” and are “deeply concerned” that innocent people could be caught up in an “open feud” between gangs allegedly involved in a Christmas Eve shooting at a Dublin steakhouse.
The horrific attack at popular family restaurant Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, west Dublin, left suspected gunman Tristan Sherry, 26, dead and another man fighting for his life.
Sherry – whose post mortem is due to take place today – was allegedly attacked by a father and son who were dining together before she was attacked and fatally injured by johns in the venue.
According to the Irish Times, he was stabbed nearly thirty times.
Both Sherry and the injured man are known to the police due to their suspected involvement in drug-related crime.
Sherry is believed to be a member of a local drug gang led by “Mr. Flashy,” who has been involved in several violent incidents in the area in recent years.
A source told the Irish Independent: “The possibility that the gun attack was organized by the crew of the ‘Mr Flashy’ is a very important subject of investigation in this case.”
“It was a failed but very reckless shooting as there were several children in the restaurant when it took place and others could easily have been hit.”
Videos shared online appear to show people diving into the restaurant and someone else running for cover
The alleged attacker, Tristan Sherry, died after being ambushed by his intended victims
Police patrol the street in front of the steakhouse where one man was killed and another shot
Gardai outside Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, Dublin, following the shooting on Christmas Eve
Meanwhile, the victim who is fighting for his life is believed to be a 47-year-old man who was having dinner with several family members before the horrific ordeal took place at 8.10pm on Christmas Eve.
He is currently being treated at Connolly Memorial Hospital. Last night his condition was described as serious after suffering at least one gunshot wound to the neck.
Gardaí are “deeply concerned” that innocent members of the public could be caught up in a wider feud sparked by the shooting, after a gang of members of the public offered more than €1,000 for information on the whereabouts of rivals.
A source claims that “threats are everywhere.”
And a security source told the Mail: “Gardaí now fear a very big escalation of this feud following the attack.” The general public in the area is being asked to reveal the location of a rival gang member in exchange for cash.
“It’s being sold as a no-questions-asked situation. But if someone knows and discloses this information, the gang can target them to effectively inform them and put him and his family at risk.
“They could also unwittingly become involved in a crime and have gardaí knocking on their door if this shooting has any consequences.”
Both Sherry and the injured man are known to the police due to their suspected involvement in drug-related crime. Employees of the injured man have already vowed revenge, the Irish Independent reported.
Two suspects fled in a white Audi and police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them as soon as possible.
A forensic investigator is speaking to Garda officers at the scene
Garda officers at the scene where a man in his 20s was pronounced dead after being wounded in a shooting
The police cordoned off the area around the steakhouse where the incident took place
Helen McEntee, Ireland’s justice minister, condemned the attack, which is believed to be linked to a feud in west Dublin that is responsible for a large number of attacks.
She said: “This cruelty has led to unimaginable human suffering this Christmas.”
“That someone can commit such violence when families come together is absolutely abhorrent.”
“I think of the family members who were on site and of all the emergency services who are on duty tonight and over Christmas and who have to endure this senseless violence.”
Several sources told the Irish Daily Mail they believe the horrific attack is linked to a feud that has been going on for several years in the Corduff area of west Dublin.
One said: “There has been a feud since about 2019 involving a very serious drug gang from Corduff. “They were at war with a drug gang from Finglas led by a young man called Mr Flashy.
“As a result of this feud, there have been several shootings and arson of houses and cars. There was even an incident where a man was attacked with a machete at a police station.
A forensic investigator at the crime scene in Blanchardstown, Dublin
Images shared on social media show terrified families running for their lives, hiding under tables
This is the shocking moment a restaurant screams before my eyes: “Someone is about to hit me in front of me” as a gunman storms a Dublin steakhouse and shoots a father and son.
“There were warnings that it was only a matter of time before a murder would happen, and it happened.” Sherry was known to police for his involvement in crime, particularly his ties to organized crime.
“What appears to have happened is that he shot at the two men, but was ambushed and beaten and stabbed by the uninjured man. It also appears that the men in the Audi outside realized that things had not gone according to plan and drove away.
“What we are likely to see now is an increase in retaliation. On both sides of this feud are feared organized crime gangs that specialize in drug trafficking.
“The Finglas group has links with the Westies gang, which has been a serious gang for 20 years and the other side has its own roots.
“The cool thing about this feud is that there are so many moving parts. People who were once loyal to one gang are now on the other side and vice versa.”
In the hours after the incident, several videos of the aftermath of the attack were shared on social media. One shows a man lying on the ground covered in blood. Other videos show guests hiding under tables and screaming.
A police spokesman said yesterday: “A man in his 20s was fatally injured.” A second man in his 40s is still being treated for gunshot wounds. His condition remains serious.
“Police are aware of videos of the incident and immediate aftermath circulating on social media and messaging apps. We appeal to the public not to distribute these videos further.
“We also urge the public to be aware of the significant level of speculation, misinformation and disinformation that is circulating. “Gardaí have increased the number of uniformed patrols in the Dublin area, with support from armed patrols including the Garda Armed Support Unit.”
Residents of Blanchardstown told how devastating the shooting was for the community.
“I’m absolutely shocked,” a local chief, Pauline Harte, told the Irish Independent.
“It’s a very safe community and it’s an absolute shame that this is happening on Christmas Eve.”
She added: “I’m really shocked because Blanchardstown is a very close community and I eat at this restaurant a lot and it’s a very busy and popular restaurant. “Lovely staff and nice local people come there.
“Everyone knows everyone and what a time for that and such a shame because Christmas is a time of peace, love and good Christmas spirit. “I’m absolutely shocked.”
Source link
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
