Suspected gunman, 20s, dead and man, 40s, in serious condition after horror Christmas Eve shooting at restaurant

A SUSPECTED gunman, aged in his 20s, has died after a shooting incident at a restaurant last night.

Another man, 40s, is in a serious condition after the gun attack which took place at Browne's Steakhouse on Blanchardstown's Main Street in Dublin.

The man, aged in his 40s, is being treated at nearby Connolly Hospital this afternoon.

He is believed to have been shot in the neck.

It's understood the suspected gunman may have used a submachine gun in the attack.

He was overpowered at the scene and seriously injured.

It is understood he sustained fatal stab wounds.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and took both men to Connolly Hospital, where the younger man was pronounced dead.

Three units from the Armed Support Unit responded to the attack.

Innocent customers cowered for cover as shots rang out inside the restaurant.

One woman could be seen on mobile phone footage running with two babies in her arms.

PROBE LAUNCHED

Gardai from Blanchardstown Station have launched a criminal investigation today.

They are seeking witnesses and have asked anyone who was in the area at the time of the shooting to contact them.

A garda spokesperson said: "A post-mortem of the deceased will take place tomorrow at the City Morgue, Whitehall by the State Pathologist. 

"No arrests have been made at this time.

"An incident room has been established at Blanchardstown Garda Station. Local Gardaí are being assisted by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI).

"The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and a Garda Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed to liaise with both families."

Gardai also said they are aware of videos of the incident and immediate aftermath which are in circulation on social media and messaging apps.

They continued: "We are appealing to the public for these videos not to be further distributed.

"We are also appealing to the public to be aware of a significant level of speculation, misinformation and disinformation which is in circulation.

"Gardai have increased uniform patrols in the Dublin region, with support from armed patrols, including the Garda Armed Support Unit.

"Anyone with information on this incident or who may have video footage is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station."

Horrific footage of the shooting has also been widely shared on social media.

One source said: "This was a completely reckless attack in which innocent people could have lost their lives.

"The people who witnessed this incident suffered a terrifying ordeal.

"It's a miracle other people weren't injured as the shots were fired."

Officers will also increase patrols in the area over the festive season over fears of revenge attacks.

On social media, a number of threats have been issued in relation to the incident.

Gardai will return to the restaurant today to search for clues.

'SHOCKED'

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar last night said he was "shocked" to hear about the attack.

He wrote on X: "Shocked to hear about the shooting today in Blanchardstown in a well known family restaurant I’ve visited many times.

"Full Garda investigation underway.

"My thanks to them and solidarity to staff and customers."

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has also condemned the horror shooting.

She told RTE News: ";This viciousness has resulted in unimaginable human suffering this Christmas.

"That anyone could perpetrate such violence as families gathered together is especially disgusting.";