Gardaí investigate Ardee murder

Gardaí investigating a murder on a housing estate in Co Louth yesterday have released without charge a man questioned in connection…

Gardaí investigating a murder on a housing estate in Co Louth yesterday have released without charge a man questioned in connection with the incident.

The man was arrested in the Dublin area yesterday evening in connection with a aggravated burglary at the house where the fatal shooting took place.

A file is being prepared for the DPP.

Gardaí are searching for two men in connection with the murder of Stephen Hanaphy (20).

Mr Hanaphy is thought to be one of four men from Coolock, in Dublin, who were involved in a row with two other men in Ardee, Co Louth on Friday night.

It is understood the group travelled to a house in the Sliabh Breagh estate in the town, where they broke windows before forcing their way inside at around 11pm.

Gardaí believe a number of shots were fired at the intruders and the four men fled in different directions.

It is believed Mr Hanaphy, who was hit by a single shot in the chest, collapsed and died under a tree on a green area about 300 metres from the house. His body was discovered shortly after 4am.

Another man presented himself to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin yesterday morning with a gunshot wound to his arm. It is understood his injuries are not life threatening.

Detectives are also looking to speak to the two men who are believed to have fled the house last night.

They also want to talk to a taxi driver who took a man from Ardee in the direction of Dublin shortly after 11pm on Friday night.

They also appealed for anyone who was in the area from 10pm on Friday night to contact them.

PA

PA