Gardai investigates dissident Republican connection to shooting that left a man and a woman fighting for their lives

A double shooting that left a man and a woman fighting for their lives is believed to be linked to a dispute between a known criminal and dissident Republicans.

The scene in Bluebell, South Dublin, where the attack occurred on Saturday afternoon, remained closed today while Gardai conducted house-to-house investigations.

A contact of dissident Republicans is believed to have been involved in a dispute with a top Dublin-based criminal and gunmen from the north arrived in the city to launch a threat against the man.

But the shooting broke out shortly after they arrived at the Bernard Curtis House apartment complex, wounding a 30-year-old woman in the chest and arm while a small child was present.

A short time later, a man arrived at St James Hospital with gunshot wounds and on Sunday both he and the woman were in serious condition.

Four men in their 20s and 30s were arrested in connection with the shooting: three from the north and one from Dublin. Three of the men were released without charge this afternoon.

Gardai is trying to establish a motive for the shooting, but it is believed that it may have been a threatening operation that went awry.

The man at the hospital is believed to have accidentally shot himself.

The woman is understood to be related to a dissident Republican serving a life sentence for the murder of a notorious Dublin drug lord.

It is not believed to be related to crime or dissident republicanism.

Gardai said: “The injured woman remains in serious condition in hospital. The man, in his 30s, who presented to the hospital also remains in serious condition.

“Gardai continues to call for anyone with information related to this incident to come forward.

“Anyone with information should contact the Kevin Street Garda station on 01666 9400, the confidential Garda line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”