An well-known criminal and suspected drug-dealer from Dublin was shot dead in southern Spain today.
The dead man was tonight reported as Paddy Doyle who is in his late twenties and was from the north inner city. Doyle had multiple convictions and was also understood to be associated with one of two criminal gangs based in Crumlin and Drimnagh.
Doyle was traveling as a passenger in a SUV with two other men near Marbella, in the Cancelada district of Estepona, around 10 miles south of Marbella at around 1pm Irish time when a number of shots were fired at the car causing it to crash.
It is believed that Doyle was then shot at least twice as he tried to escape on foot. He died in hospital a short time later.
A feud between the gangs based in Crumlin and Drimnagh has resulted in up to ten deaths.
A Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman confirmed tonight that the shooting and death of an Irish citizen had occurred and that all appropriate consular assistance would be provided.
Spanish police were tonight liaising with gardai in investigating the incident. No arrests have been made.