Man, 24, Shot Dead in Dublin Bookmakers

Gardai were hunting the gunman who killed a 24-year-old man in Dublin yesterday afternoon - the 14th gangland-related murder in the Republic so far this year.

The victim, named locally as Christopher Barry, was shot several times in the head while he stood in a bookmaker's on Killester Avenue in north Dublin. A lone gunman carried out the execution-style killing and then fled the scene on a motorbike. The vehicle was then found nearby set alight.

It is the second gun murder in the capital this week after 27-year-old Christopher McDonagh was shot dead on Wednesday at his west Dublin home. Eyewitnesses say the gunman 'strolled' from the bookies to the motorcycle he had pulled up on seconds earlier and rode off.

Friends of the dead man said he had been in the adjoining Ramble Inn pub with them earlier watching Manchester United take on Liverpool. They said he was not a drinker and had left a pint glass of orange juice at the bar to go to the bookies. The friends said he worked as a builder's labourer and his main sporting passion was pony trotting. They were bewildered as to why he was singled out and murdered.

Garda sources said it is possible that the dead man, who was wearing a distinctive yellow top, was a victim of mistaken identity. They asked anybody who saw anything to contact them at Whitehall Garda Station on 6664500 or use the confidential line on 1800 666 111.