Man dies as terrified diners flee gunfire at restaurant on Christmas Eve in Dublin | World | News

A man has died and another is in a serious condition after a Christmas Eve shooting in an Irish restaurant.

Police in Dublin believe the attack at Browne’s Steakhouse in the Blanchardstown area of the city is linked to a drugs and gun-related feud.

Frightened parents are said to have fled the building carrying young children, while video footage appeared to show people ducking and running for cover.

It is understood police are investigating whether the dead man, in his 20s, was a participant in the attack and was tackled in the aftermath. A man in his 40s is being treated for gunshot wounds and was in a serious condition in hospital yesterday.

Irish PM Leo Varadkar said he was shocked while justice minister Helen McEntee condemned the violence as “disgusting”.

Taoiseach Mr Varadkar said it was “in a well-known family restaurant I’ve visited many times”.

He thanked police and offered solidarity to staff and customers.

Police (Gardai) have stepped up uniformed patrols in Dublin with support from armed officers.

It was reported that both victims were known to police. Detectives are treating the shooting as gang-related.

A postmortem examination is due to take place today.

A police spokesman said: “Gardai are continuing to investigate an incident that occurred at premises on the Main Street in Blanchardstown, Dublin, at around 8pm.

“No arrests have been made at this time. [We are] aware of videos of the incident which are in circulation on social media and messaging apps.

“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.”